Apply as a Fellow in UN Refugee Agency

Application Deadline: December 30, 2023

UNCHR, the UN Refugee Agency, is inviting applications for fellows who will engage in Analysis of key developments and advice related to humanitarian, development, or regional files, feeding into updates provided to UNHCR HQ, regional bureaus, and country operations, to support operational effectiveness and inform UNHCR policies and positions.

Through the daily work, the fellow will learn elements of UNHCR and UNHQ structure and processes. The learning elements result from the tasks the fellow carries out during the assignment, such as knowledge of UNHCR policies, the UN system, and its policies, particularly in relation to humanitarian, political, peacekeeping, peacebuilding, development, human rights, and rule of law issues, and from engagement with experienced staff members on the team.

The fellow will strengthen drafting and analytical skills, through reporting on meetings, events, and other engagements and developments; as well as presentation and negotiation skills, as the fellow will assist in advocating for the inclusion of UNHCR positions into UN policies.

Roles/Responsibilities

Attend and report on assigned meetings in an expeditious and timely manner;
Support UNHCR’s engagement with humanitarian, development, and other UN bodies and processes;
Monitor, analyse, and report on key developments with relevant stakeholders and processes related to issues that may affect UNHCR’s operations and activities, an update NYO and UNHCR HQ;
Stay abreast of UNHCR’s global operations and policies and support engagement with relevant UNHCR HQ divisions and bureaus to ensure a smooth flow of information;
Promote UNHCR’s objectives through participation in briefings and inter-agency meetings, with a view to report on policy development, priorities, and work programs of New York-based bodies and processes related to humanitarian response, human rights, development, peace, and security;
Flag opportunities to enhance understanding of UNHCR’s mandate and operations amongst NY-based stakeholders;
Make suggestions and provide inputs to ensure that UNHCR’s interests and concerns are taken into account in the UN and inter-agency position papers and policy statements impacting UNHCR’s operations and protection activities;
Enable consistent and comprehensive UNHCR messaging and interventions through close collaboration across NYO Units, as well as UNHCR HQ and field;
Follow and report on relevant negotiations of Security Council and General Assembly resolutions of import to UNHCR;
Follow and report on high-level events, real-time Security Council briefings and inter-agency meetings and working groups;
Conduct research and consultations on the topics of relevance and interest;
Support participation of UNHCR in relevant international and bilateral for a in New York
Assist in planning, coordinating, and carrying out public events organized by NYO
Training components , research and learning elements

Eligibility

Must be a 2024-degree candidate or recent graduate from a university accredited by UNESCO.
Degree in international relations, political sciences, law, or related field;
Demonstrated commitment or strong interest in international relations, refugee issues, and humanitarian response;
Fluency in English with excellent written and oral communication skills;
Proficiency in PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Teams.