Intern

Apply by: 30/06/2026

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration.
In general, the Internship Programme aims at attracting talented students and graduates who:
a) have a specific interest in, or whose studies have covered, areas relevant to IOM programmes and activities;
b) are holding a scholarship for internship placements in international organizations and/or for whom internship is required to complete their studies;
c) are sponsored by governmental/non-governmental institutions and/or academia to work in specific areas relevant to both IOM and the sponsor;
d) are either enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent) or have graduated in the last 12 months; and
e) are between 20 and 36 years of age.

Supervision

Under the supervision of IOM Bern Senior staff, the successful candidate will have a selection of the following duties and responsibilities:

Responsibilities

1. Assist in the general operations linked to the preparation and follow up of assisted voluntary returns and reintegration in close cooperation with IOM offices in countries of return, with Swiss return counsellors and counterparts from the relevant Swiss authorities.
2. Assist the project manager of assisted voluntary return and reintegration program for victims of trafficking with the implementation of the program (case management, reporting, documentation, etc.).
3. Assist in specific projects in the field of communication, such as preparing background documents and update existing communication material of different programs within IOM Bern. Other tasks in this area include preparing regular updates of the website, social media and updates of the communication material archive.
4. Support of the implementation of Swiss resettlement programs: prepare arrival of refugee groups in Switzerland, ensure information flow between country of departure and arrival as well as with Swiss authorities, prepare pre-departure and post-arrival trainings, prepare reports and statistics, attend related meetings and conferences.
5. Support of the implementation of the Swiss Family Reunification and Humanitarian Visa program: work on individual cases, prepare reports and statistics, attend related meetings and conferences, etc.
6. Assist in the planning of events, particularly in the field of information dissemination, communication, and networking.
7. Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Chief of Mission IOM Bern.

Learning Objectives

The internship aims to provide practical experience in the implementation of Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR), resettlement, and humanitarian programmes, with a focus on case management, coordination with international stakeholders, and interaction with Swiss authorities. The intern will develop skills in project support, reporting, and documentation while contributing to the delivery of migration-related programmes.

Additionally, the internship will strengthen competencies in communication and information management, including preparing and updating communication materials and supporting digital content. The role also aims to enhance organizational, coordination, and event planning skills, while fostering an understanding of inter-agency collaboration within the migration and humanitarian context.

Training Components and Learning Elements

1. The Intern will gain experience in working in an international multicultural environment, within the United Nations system.
2. Gain experience in organization, management, and international cooperation activities.
3. Gain a better understanding of IOM’s work, as an inter-governmental organization in the field of Migration, and work on formulating and editing institutional strategies, priorities and workplans.
4. The Intern will acquire technical knowledge and experience on disability inclusion issues, and on global coordination mechanisms, in particular humanitarian clusters.
5. The Intern can also access online training courses at the disposal of all IOM staff.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• University degree (Bachelor or Master level) in Social or Political Science, International relations or related field

Experience

• Working experience in the field of migration is considered an advantage.

Languages

For this internship, excellent knowledge of German, French and English is required.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Notes

• Depending on experience and location, interns are granted a small monthly stipend to help offset costs. Interns benefiting from an internship allowance or scholarship granted by their university or other sponsoring body that includes financial remuneration or credits for coursework will not be eligible for the stipend.
• IOM covers Interns against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the internship. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Interns are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work.
• Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.
• IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
• IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
• IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
• No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies