Protection Intern - Research & Reporting

Organizational Context

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights, and building a better future for forcibly displaced people. UNHCR works in over 130 countries, assisting millions of people including refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced persons, and stateless individuals. Its mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, and to provide options for voluntary repatriation, local integration or resettlement.

Job Purpose

The Protection Intern will support the UNHCR office in Yaounde, Cameroon, by contributing to research and reporting activities within the Protection unit. This role is crucial for enhancing the understanding and response to the protection needs of refugees and other persons of concern in the region. The intern will assist in gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing information related to protection issues, including but not limited to, registration, documentation, legal status, and specific vulnerabilities. The position aims to provide valuable support to the protection team, enabling them to better advocate for and implement protection interventions. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in international humanitarian law, refugee protection principles, and the operational challenges faced by UNHCR in a complex operational environment, contributing directly to the well-being and safety of vulnerable populations.

Responsibilities

The Protection Intern will be responsible for conducting in-depth research on various protection-related topics relevant to UNHCR's mandate and the specific context of Cameroon. This includes gathering data from diverse sources, such as official reports, academic literature, and field assessments, to inform protection strategies and programming. The intern will assist in the preparation of comprehensive reports, briefing notes, and presentations that synthesize research findings and highlight key protection concerns and recommendations. A significant part of the role involves supporting the Protection unit in monitoring and analyzing protection trends, identifying protection gaps, and contributing to the development of evidence-based responses. The intern may also be involved in assisting with the documentation of protection cases, maintaining databases, and ensuring the accuracy and confidentiality of sensitive information. Furthermore, the intern will support the team in advocacy efforts by providing research-backed information and contributing to the drafting of communication materials. This role requires close collaboration with other units within the UNHCR office and potentially with implementing partners, ensuring a coordinated approach to protection.

Work Experience

Previous experience in research, data analysis, or report writing is an asset. Experience working with refugees, displaced persons, or in a humanitarian context is desirable but not mandatory.

Skills

Research skills, Analytical skills, Report writing, Data analysis, Information synthesis, Attention to detail, Communication skills, Interpersonal skills, Ability to work independently, Ability to work in a team, Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Explore related opportunities