International Organization for Migration
Position Title: Intern – Office of Legal Affairs (LEG)
Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland
Classification: Intern, Grade Other
Type of Appointment: Internship, two months with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible
Closing Date: 31 July 2024
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
Context:
Background Information
The Office of Legal Affairs (LEG) provides legal advice to the Director General, the Deputy Directors General, Regional Offices, Country Offices, and other Departments and Offices of the Organization. The Office provides support to ensure that the activities and operations of the Organization are carried out in accordance with the legal framework governing IOM, including the IOM Constitution, decisions of the governing bodies of IOM, the Unified Staff Regulations and Rules, the Financial Regulations and Rules, IOM internal governance and administrative instruments and international law.
The Office of Legal Affairs is comprised of: the Office of the Legal Counsel, the Institutional Law and Programme Support Division, the Contract Law Division, the General and Administrative Law Division, as well as Regional Legal Hubs. The Legal Counsel and Director of the Office is responsible for managing the Office and providing strategic direction for the work of the Office, as well as providing legal advice to Senior Management, reporting directly to the Director General.
Supervision
The intern will work under the overall supervision of the Legal Counsel and Director of LEG and the direct supervision of a Legal Officer in LEG.
Core Functions / Responsibilities:
The intern will be exposed to the work of the Office of Legal Affairs of IOM. The intern will learn how the day-to-day work of LEG legal officers evolves and will be able to contribute to it by using legal knowledge gained during their studies.
The intern will be responsible for:
- Conducting legal research and analysis on issues of international law, which may include issues of international civil service law, privileges and immunities, institutional law, or contract law.
- Preparing background notes on specific legal issues.
- Preparing first drafts of legal documents.
- Preparing summaries of cases and background notes on specific legal issues, including in the preparation of IOM governing bodies meeting.
- Discharging any other task as may be assigned.
Training Components and Learning Elements
It is anticipated the intern will gain experience in:
- Public International law
- Law of International Organizations
- Privileges and Immunities of International Organizations
Required Qualifications and Experience:
Education
- Completed or ongoing university degree in law, from an accredited academic institution; master’s degree, in particular in international law, is an advantage.
Experience
- Experience with or knowledge of UN or alike organizations, in particular in their legal office, is an advantage; and,
- Practical experience of how to multi-task, prioritize and work independently.
Skills
- Ability to work effectively and harmoniously in a team of colleagues of varied cultural and professional backgrounds;
- Ability to produce quality work accurately and concisely according to set deadlines in accordance with instructions and guidelines;
- Good analytical, drafting and research skills;
- Excellent communication skills;
- Good level of computer literacy; and,
- Strong organizational skills.
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 this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Note
Eligibility and Selection
In general, 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;
- are holding a scholarship for internship placements in international organizations and/or for whom internship is required to complete their studies; or
- are sponsored by governmental/non governmental institutions and/or academia to work in specific areas relevant to both IOM and the sponsor.
- 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.
- are at least 20 years old.
- 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.
- Please consider the cost of living in Geneva prior to applying.
Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).
Required Competencies:
The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies:
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.
IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.
https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.pdf
Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.
Other:
The appointment 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, and background verification and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.
No late applications will be accepted.
How to apply
To apply, interested applicants are invited to submit their applications HERE via the IOM e-Recruitment system by 31 July 2024.
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For further information please refer to: www.iom.int/recruitment
Posting period:
From 25.07.2024 to 31.07.2024
No Fees:
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.
Requisition: INT 2024 23 Intern – Office of Legal Affairs (LEG) – Geneva, Switzerland (59028853) Released
Posting: Posting NC59028854 (59028854) Released