Fall 2026 Refugee Employment Intern (UNPAID)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

The Refugee Employment Intern supports the Employment Services team in helping refugees, asylees, and other eligible clients achieve economic self-sufficiency through meaningful employment. Working under the supervision of Employment Specialists, the intern assists with employment preparation, employer engagement, client support, and administrative tasks that contribute to successful workforce integration.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist clients with job readiness activities, including resume development, job applications, interview preparation, and basic workplace expectations.
• Support Employment Specialists in conducting employment orientations and workshops.
• Help clients search for employment opportunities that align with their skills, experience, and career goals.
• Assist with scheduling interviews, employment appointments, and follow-up meetings.
• Provide administrative support by maintaining accurate client records, updating case files, and entering data into agency databases.
• Communicate with employers to confirm interviews, employment placements, and hiring documentation as directed.
• Help coordinate employment-related events such as job fairs, hiring events, and workforce development workshops.
• Support clients with employment documentation, including applications, onboarding paperwork, and employment verification forms.
• Research local employment opportunities, workforce training programs, and community resources.

• Collaborate with interpreters and multicultural staff to ensure effective communication with clients.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold professional and ethical standards while working with client information.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Employment Services program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current undergraduate or graduate student, or recent graduate, in social work, human services, public administration, international studies, business, psychology, or a related field.
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Interest in refugee resettlement, workforce development, immigration, or nonprofit services.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and basic computer applications.
• Experience working with diverse populations is preferred.
• Additional language proficiency is a plus.

Learning Outcomes

Through this internship, participants will gain experience in:

• Refugee resettlement and employment services.
• Workforce development and career coaching.
• Case management documentation and data management.
• Employer engagement and community partnerships.
• Cross-cultural communication and trauma-informed client service.
• Nonprofit operations and program administration.

This internship offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the successful economic integration of newly arrived refugees while developing professional skills in workforce development, case management, and nonprofit human services.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.