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OpenIGO | International Careers Development Network
UNRWA Internships

Internship Programs

UNRWA Internships

Unpaid Internships

The goal of the UNRWA internship program is to provide an enabling environment for those interested in international development to put the knowledge acquired during their training into practice, develop networking and become involved in an important humanitarian cause. Working at UNRWA can be a great experience for those interested in developing countries in the context of violent conflicts. In addition, the intern will have a broad view of what it is like to work at a United Nations agency, characterized by an environment of integration, dynamism and diversity.

 

In pursuit of its mission, the OpenIGO network has prepared a comprehensive eBook and support and guidance services, with the aim of highly increasing your chances of success in these competitive processes. These services include revising your UN internships application documents (curriculum vitae/resume and cover letter) and a mock interview, as per the United Nations model. We also offer a range of packages that combine the eBook with different services.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT OUR UN INTERNSHIPS PRODUCTS & SERVICES?

UN Internships – Products & Services

We have prepared a special offer for you!

UN Internships – PDF eBook


UNRWA Overview

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) aims to improve the quality of life of nearly 5 million Palestinians affected by the Israeli-Arab conflict since 1949. The agency operates through investments in health programs, basic education, among other social services.

UNRWA’s main focus: Promoting the improvement of life conditions for Palestinian refugees by providing basic services.

Themes addressed by the UNRWA:

  • Education
  • Health
  • Protection
  • Relief and Social Services
  • Microfinance
  • Infrastructure and Camp Improvement
  • Emergency Response
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Description of the UNRWA Internship

What are the fields of study required for the UNRWA Internship?

This internship program includes students and recent graduates from the most diverse fields of knowledge. The areas of study with the highest demand in this program are:

  • Education
  • Health
  • Finances
  • Social Services
  • Infrastructure
  • Security
  • Public and Private Management (for administrative support)

What are the tasks performed by the selected for the UNRWA Internship?

The activities performed vary according to the opening and the requirements of the different departments to which interns are allocated. However, generally speaking, the main duties are:

  • Conducting research;
  • Writing documents;
  • Cataloguing information;
  • Assisting in organizational issues;
  • Data and Document management;
  • Supportive tasks for the department relating to the studies and expertise of the student;
  • Typical tasks performed by volunteers;
  • Provide administrative support.

What is the duration of the UNRWA Internship?

The internship period ranges from at least 3 months to up to 11 months at most. At the Representative offices, in Brussels and New York, the average duration of the internship is at least 3 months, with the possibility of extension for a total of 6 months.

What is the weekly workload of the UNRWA Internship?

The internship programs are full-time. Interns shall therefore work between 35 and 40 hours per week.

Where are the locations of the UNRWA Internship?

The headquarters are located in Amman and in Gaza, but there are other offices located in: Beirut, Jerusalem, Cairo, Brussels, Washington and New York.

When does the UNRWA Internship start?

The initial date of the internship shall be coordinated between the intern and the organization.

Is there any feedback following the completion of the UNRWA Internship?

At the end of the internship, the supervisor is in charge of preparing an assessment report of the intern’s performance.

Subsequent employment:

Participation in the internship is not related to future employment with the agency. During the internship period and within six months immediately after the program you will not be eligible to apply for or be appointed to any effective position. However, the work experience in the agency will be a distinctive feature in your curriculum, which may facilitate your hiring by other organizations inside or outside the UN System.

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UNRWA Internship - Salary

The internship is unpaid.

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UNRWA Internship - Requirements

What is the education requirement of the UNRWA Internship Program?

  • Be enrolled in a graduate school program (Master’s or PhD), or;
  • Have graduated from a graduate course in the last 12 months.

What is the language requirement of the UNRWA Internship Program?

Candidates must have fluency in English (spoken and written). For an internship at Lebanon’s field office, it is recommended that applicants have proficiency in English and Arabic (or another official language in the UN System).

What is the age requirement of the UNRWA Internship Program?

Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrollment.

What is the nationality requirement of the UNRWA Internship Program?

Applicants must be citizens of a UNRWA member state.

What are the competencies required for the UNRWA Internship Program?

The main competencies required are communication, teamwork and client orientation.

Other requirements:

  • Most internships require no work experience. However, previous experiences may be an advantage in the selection process;
  • Candidates must be interested in the work of the United Nations and support its principles and ideals. They must be open to diversity and be tolerant of other cultures, beliefs and points of view;
  • There is a confidentiality requirement, which means that interns cannot disclose information obtained during the internship or publish documents without the proper authorization from the agency.

What are the restrictions of the UNRWA Internship Program?

An applicant may not be a child or sibling of a United Nations staff member.

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UNRWA Internship - Application process

When to apply for the UNRWA Internship Program?

Application deadlines vary depending on the openings and the needs of the organization. Therefore, it is important to search for internship opportunities on our website and social media platforms.

How to apply for the UNRWA Internship Program?

The application process is done via the UN Careers portal, where all openings are published. The application must be done on the Inspira Gateway and comprises the following steps:

  1. Search for internship openings;
  2. Register with the Inspira portal;
  3. Fill out the profile data;
  4. Fill out the application form.

What are the phases of the selection process for the UNRWA Internship Program?

The selection process may vary depending on the department or office to which the intern is applying, but generally comprises the following steps:

  1. Creating a profile and preparing an application;
  2. Submitting the application;
  3. Evaluation of the application;
  4. Competency-based interview;
  5. Selection notifications.

How is the UNRWA Internship Program interview?

Usually, only selected applicants will be contacted for the interview, which lasts about 30 minutes and may be done via Skype or phone. The main points covered in the interview vary according to the opening and department chosen. In general, however, the questions address subjective or behavioral aspects, such as your expectations about the job, your interests in the area of expertise you are applying for and your previous experiences.

What are the documents to submit for the UNRWA Internship Program?

The application process also requires you to submit:

  • Cover Note/Letter outlining your motivation and knowledge of refugee issues and Middle East politics in general;
  • CV/résumé;

What is the evaluation criteria of the UNRWA Internship Program?

You will be evaluated regarding your previous experience, skills and competencies, and educational background.

Other information:

It is important to submit your application in advance. Internship openings at UN Careers are removed from the portal at midnight of the deadline, New York time (GMT -5). You will not be able to modify your application after submission.

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UNRWA Internship - Costs

The agency offers no financial aid to cover costs related to preparing for or doing the internship. However, you may request financial aid from a sponsoring institution, for example, a university and/or government agency in your country.

Visa:

You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs and arrangements of obtaining the visa (if needed to do the internship).

Insurance:

You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs of enrolling in a valid global medical insurance plan.

Accommodation:

You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for accommodation expenses during the internship period.

Other:

You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs and arrangements of the trip to the workplace to which you have been assigned.

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Links

Internship Programme:

https://www.unrwa.org/careers/internships

Contact for inquiries:

HeadQuarters and Field Offices: internship@unrwa.org
Representative Office to the EU in Brussels: brusselsoffice_internships@unrwa.org
UNRWA Representative Office, New York: Fax: (+ 1917) 367 1988
UNRWA Representative Office, Washington, DC: washingtondc@unrwa.org

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