The IOM Internship Programme provides students with the opportunity to learn about IOM’s activities, to gain initial work experience, and/or gain knowledge on a broad range of migration technical areas and disciplines. IOM provides on-the-job training to interns so that both they, and the Organization, can benefit. Furthermore, internships build links with academic institutions and universities. Each year, IOM welcomes hundreds of interns to work within IOM offices globally. Interns are given assignments and responsibility commensurate with their academic and professional experience and are placed under the guidance of a supervisor.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants to the IOM internship programme must, at the time of application, meet one of the following requirements:
- Be enrolled in the final academic year of a university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); or
- Be enrolled in a graduate degree programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or
Have graduated with a university or graduate degree and, if selected, must commence the internship within one-year of graduation; or - Be sponsored by a governmental/non-governmental institution and/or academic institution to work in a specific area relevant to both IOM and the sponsor institution.
- All interns must be between 19 and 36 years of age (average age is 26).
- Furthermore, interns should have a working knowledge (both oral and written) of at least one of IOM’s official languages (English, French or Spanish).
Duration
Flexible internship: From 2 to 6 months depending on applicants availability.
Renumeration
Paid: While the majority of interns receive a monthly subsistence allowance (MSA), which is a monetary stipend to partially cover accommodation and living expenses, there are a few exceptions. For example, if IOM has an agreement with a university to provide internship assignments to its students as part of their coursework or when an intern is provided with funding/scholarship through their university, government or other institution. In exceptional cases, the Director of Human Resources can waive the MSA for interns who reside locally.
Travel Support:
It is the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institution to arrange for travel to and from the duty station upon commencement and conclusion of the internship. All related travel expenses, including visas, will be paid by the intern or sponsoring institution. IOM does not cover the cost of travel or visas; however, the office can prepare a visa support letter to facilitate the acquisition of a visa.
How to get started:
Internships in IOM field missions: For internships in IOM Country Offices, please send your application directly to the specific office in which you are interested in working. Click here to see the IOM offices.
Internships in IOM Headquarters (Geneva): For advertised internships at IOM Geneva (Headquarters), internship vacancies start with “INT”.
Important: There is no specific time of the year for sending your application for an internship. If you were granted (or may be granted) a scholarship or your internship is a mandatory requirement for completing your studies, you should specify this in your cover letter, as well as the exact dates of the proposed internship. Remember to attach a letter from your sponsor or university confirming the purpose of the assignment, as well as the amount of your grant.