TERMS OF REFERENCE
Internship opportunity with UNHCR in Albania
Organizational Unit: UNHCR Country Office, Tirana/Protection Unit
Duty station: Tirana, Albania
Type of Contract: Internship (Full Time)
Duration: Three months with possibility of extension
Expected start date: 15 February, 2019
Application deadline: 25 January, 2019
Background information/Organizational Context
Accession to the European Union will remain the overriding priority of Albanian government,
particularly if the negotiations are opened in June 2018. The focus on EU accession provides
opportunities for UNHCR to strengthen legislation and procedures in line with international and EU
standards.
During 2018, the number of arrivals of asylum-seekers/refugees and asylum requests substantially
increased as compared with previous years. UNHCR estimates that some 60% of those arriving and
requesting asylum are from refugee-producing countries. The Government with UNHCR’s and
partners’ support has expanded reception capacities to cope with the increased mixed movement of
persons entering, transiting and requesting asylum in the country. Although the vast majority of those
arriving leave the country after a few days, the Government and UNHCR are jointly working to enhance
asylum procedures and coordinate efforts to provide solutions for both those willing to enjoy
international protection in the country and for vulnerable asylum-seekers.
The protection intern will be under the direct supervision of the Protection Associate and will work
closely with the multidisciplinary team at the National Reception Centre for Asylum-seekers as well as
the Child Protection specialists involved in providing services to children at risk.
Duties and Responsibilities
Facilitate information sessions on asylum procedures at the National Reception Centre for Asylum
twice a week.
Conduct profiling interviews with asylum seekers at the National Reception Centre for Asylum twice
a week.
Support the information management officer with data entry regarding asylum seekers profile and
protection incidents reported during the interviews.
Support the protection team with translation of legal documents, memos, internal reports, notes for
the file, and other relevant documents in English and Albanian.
Provide support with other tasks as may reasonably be required.
Minimum qualifications required
In order to be considered for the internship, the following criteria must be fulfilled:
Recently graduated from university or currently enrolled in graduate/undergraduate school at
university and completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in International Law, Political
Science or related field.
Fluency and good drafting skills in English and working knowledge of another relevant UN language
or local language.
Strong analytical planning and organizational skills.
Command use of Excel spreadsheets.
Application and Selection
Interested candidates are kindly advised to submit CV and motivation letter, as well as certified copies
of diplomas or proof of enrolment in graduate or undergraduate studies, by e-mail to [email protected].
In the subject line please indicate “UNHCR – Albania, Protection Internship”. Deadline for application:
25 January 2019.
Note: Food and local transportation allowance will be provided to interns who don’t receive financial
support from an outside part.
An individual whose father, mother, son, daughter, brother or sister is a staff member of UNHCR,
including a Temporary Appointment holder or a member of the Affiliate Workforce, is not eligible for
an internship with UNHCR.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.