Introduction
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while 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:
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; or
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.
e) are between 20 and 36 years of age.
Background Information
The EU Policy and Programme Support Division, in the Global Office in Brussels, oversees and supports IOM’s strategic thematic, policy, and technical engagement with the European Union (EU). This role is to build, manage, and maintain the direct relationship between IOM and EU Institutions, Bodies, and Agencies to enhance IOM’s position in policy discussions and provide thematic, evidence-based advice and recommendations regarding migration-related topics, policies, and programmes. The EU Policy and Programme Support Division guides and supports IOM Country Offices (COs) and Regional Offices (ROs) worldwide in their advocacy in EU-related thematic issues, and the development, contracting, compliance, and implementation of EU-funded projects.
The EU Policy and Programme Support Division has the followings functions: overseeing policy advocacy, liaison, and donor compliance on thematic and programmatic issues, and support to COs and ROs in advocacy with the EU. This includes resource mobilization and project review to build IOM’s global EU-funded portfolio. Additionally, the EU Policy and Programme Support Division supports offices implementing EU-funded projects on knowledge management and learning, capacity building for COs and ROs, and field visits to support IOM-EU relations, project development, implementation, reporting, evaluation, audits, verifications, and to promote IOM-EU cooperation.
Supervision
Under the supervision of the Chief of the EU Policy and Programme Support Division (PPSD), and in close coordination with relevant PPSD colleagues, Intern – Programme and Liaison Support will support the Division’s work. They will have the following tasks: research on EU and IOM policies and priorities, support to preparation of policy and programmatic papers including consolidation of minutes of meetings, talking points and presentations, support to knowledge and information management, and any other tasks identified by the PPSD team.
Qualifications: Education
Enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent) in Migration Studies, EU Public Laws, Political or Social Sciences, Economic Studies, Business Administration, International Relations and/or Law or a related field from an accredited academic 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 Migration Studies, EU Public Laws, Political or Social Sciences, Economic Studies, Business Administration, International Relations and/or Law or a related field from an accredited academic institution.
Experience
Initial exposure (through studies, internships, or projects) to EU institutions, EU policies, or international cooperation, particularly in the field of migration or mobility;
Experience with desk research and policy analysis, including drafting short analytical notes or summaries;
Previous experience supporting meetings, including note‑taking or drafting presentations and minutes, is an asset;
Familiarity with working with data, such as reviewing reports, datasets, dashboards, or basic quantitative information, is an advantage.
Skills
Good analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesise complex policy and data information into clear, concise written outputs;
Good drafting skills in English, with attention to structure, clarity, and accuracy;
Ability to handle basic data analysis, interpret trends, and translate findings into short analytical notes, tables, or simple visuals, an asset;
Organisational and information‑management skills, including the ability to manage documents, trackers, and multiple tasks efficiently;
Demonstrated communication and coordination skills, including the ability to work in a team and support internal processes;
Proficiency in standard office tools (Word, PowerPoint, Excel); familiarity with dashboards or data tools is an asset.
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 all applicants, fluency in English is required (oral and written).
Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.
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.
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: Internship programme | 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 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.
