Intern - Policy & Research

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 fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

The Internship Programme aims at attracting talented students and graduates who have a specific interest in, or whose studies have covered, areas relevant to IOM programmes and activities. Interns must be between 20 and 36 years old and should have less than two years of relevant working experience.

In general, the Internship Programme aims at attracting talented students and graduates who:

1. have a specific interest in, or whose studies have covered, areas relevant to IOM programmes and activities;
2. are holding a scholarship for internship placements in international organizations and/or for whom internship is required to complete their studies; or
3. are sponsored by governmental/non-governmental institutions and/or academia to work in specific areas relevant to both IOM and the sponsor.
4. 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. are between 20 and 36 years of age.

Background Information

As the leading inter-governmental organization promoting humane and orderly migration since 1951, IOM plays a key role to support the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through different areas of intervention that connect both humanitarian assistance and sustainable development.International Organization for Migration (IOM) Mission in Nepal continues to lead migration development in Nepal, supporting the Government of Nepal through diverse programmatic initiatives. IOM Nepal works with various stakeholders, including government line ministries, national and international development partners, donor countries, as well as local civil society, upholding and expanding its organizational mandate. Through promotion of national ownership and in close collaboration with the Government of Nepal and other relevant stakeholders, IOM Nepal contributes to uphold the rights of people on the move by offering migration management services in the following areas: Humanitarian Emergencies; Movement Assistance; Migration and Health, Migration and Development and Migration Environment, Climate Change and Risk Reduction.

Supervision
Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and direct supervision of the Project Support Officer, the Intern - Policy & Research will support IOMs efforts across partnership development, resource mobilization, and internal project monitoring and evaluation. They will require to work closely with the Project Support Officer and relevant project staff and contribute to research, coordination and reporting tasks while also facilitating donor engagement and supporting activities to ensure effective project implementation and donor coordination, as required. Additionally, the intern will also support daily tasks related to missions’ engagements with the internal and external stakeholders, including the United Nations (UN) and support expansion of IOM’s mandate with country’s broader development strategies.

Responsibilities

1. Support with comprehensive research and analysis across various thematic areas relevant to migration, such as human rights, labour migration, and climate-induced displacement. Synthesize findings to support evidence-based decision-making and contribute to the development of informed policies and strategies.
2. Actively assist in all phases of project development and implementation, from initiation and planning to research and drafting with all relevant units. This includes helping to design project ideas, and support development of workplans and monitoring and evaluation strategies, ensuring alignment with IOM's objectives and donor requirements.
3. Assist in developing communication materials, including drafting reports, preparing presentations, and creating content for IOM’s digital platforms. Support documenting resource mobilization efforts, activities implementation and achieved outcomes for ongoing projects, and ensuring clear and effective communication both within the organization and with external partners.
4. Provide administrative support, efficiently handling tasks such as data entry and analysis, meeting minutes, document management, and correspondence. Contribute to maintaining organized and efficient office operations, thereby supporting the smooth functioning of IOM’s diverse programmes.
5. Engage in a variety of learning opportunities, workshops, and seminars aimed at enhancing professional skills and understanding migration issues. Actively participate in knowledge exchange sessions to gain insights into IOM's approach to migration management and development.
6. Support maintaining and strengthening relation with the Embassy of the People's Republic of China, in Nepal.
7. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Learning Objectives

• Build knowledge of migration governance and policy issues by supporting research and analysis on thematic areas.
• Strengthen project development and implementation skills and understand how to align projects with organizational priorities and donor requirements.
• Improve communication and reporting skills by drafting various communication materials.
• Develop organizational, administrative, and coordination skills.

Training and Learning Components

• The Intern will gain experience in working in an international multicultural environment, within the United Nations system.
• Gain experience in organization, management, and international cooperation activities.
• 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.
• The Intern can also access online training courses at the disposal of all IOM personnel.
• The Intern will have the possibility to interact with IOM staff within Headquarters and IOM Missions.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

• Enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent) in Business administration, International Studies, International Relations, Law or other relevant area from an accredited institution; or,
• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) or graduated within the last 12 months with a Bachelor's degree or higher in Business administration, International Studies, International Relations, Law or other relevant area from an accredited institution. in

EXPERIENCE

• A demonstrated academic background in areas like international relations, public policy, development studies, or migration-related fields;
• Demonstrated research and analytical skills with good drafting and communication skills to contribute to drafting process for project development, talking points and briefing notes for the mission;
• Interest in migration issues, including a good understanding of the Global Compact for Safe, Regular and Orderly Migration (GCM), and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
• Demonstrated good understanding of IOM’s mandate, strategic vision and programmatic priorities (desirable).

SKILLS

• Knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization;
• Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming.

Languages
IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).
It is desirable to have a working knowledge of one additional official UN Language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies
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.

Eligibility and Selection

This internship opportunity is part of IOM’s 2026 Global Access Internship Programme, which is a sub-set of IOM’s regular internship programme. The main condition to be eligible for this opportunity is that applicants be citizens of Member States not represented or with lower representation in IOM, as of June 2026. Additionally, IOM strongly encourages applications from persons with disabilities from those nationalities as well as other minorities. If you would like to explore all vacancies that are part of the programme and more details, please go to: IOM career gateways | International Organization for Migration

In general, the Internship Programme aims at attracting talented students and graduates who 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.

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and additional enquiries will only be addressed if the candidate is shortlisted.
• Depending on experience and location, IOM provides a small monthly stipend to help offset costs.
• Candidates are also encouraged to research and study the cost of living in the duty station prior to applying.
• For this programme, IOM will also provide travel arrangements and will cover visa-related costs.
• Selection will be based on demonstrated qualifications, relevant experience, technical skills, and alignment with core competencies. The evaluation process may include written assessment, and/or interview.

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 his/her 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 assignment. 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 WAVE  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

Same Posting Description for Internal and External Candidates.