International Organization for Migration is hiring a Intern MPA (PATHS/RISE; French- or Dutch-speaking)

• Apply Before: 19/12/2025, 12:00

• Contract Type: Internship (2-6 months)

• Initial Contract Duration: 6 months

• Vacancy Type: Internship

• Recruiting Type: Intern

• Grade: UG

• Alternative Required Language 1: English

• Alternative Required Language2: French

JOB DESCRIPTION

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read 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 Migrant Protection and Assistance (MPA) Unit at the IOM Belgium and Luxembourg Country Office is developing projects in subject areas such as housing and integration, voluntary return and reintegration, resettlement and assistance to vulnerable migrants. The MPA units aims to recruit two interns to support current activities implemented including those within the scope of the RISE project and PATHS Project.

The intern will support current activities implemented by the IOM Belgium and Luxembourg Country Office that include, but are not limited to, supporting the implementation of the “Providing Assistance for Transitioning Housing Solutions” (PATHS) project, with the main objective to contribute to addressing housing shortages for beneficiaries of international protection transitioning from the reception system to the private rental market by connecting them with housing solutions with the support of intermediary organisations in Belgium, France and Greece. In Belgium, the project will contribute to the efforts of the Federal Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (Fedasil) in expanding housing opportunities for residents having obtained an international protection status, with the support of Orbit and other NGO’s actively providing housing support to the target group of the project.

In addition, the intern will provide support for the final implementation phase of the AMIF-funded RISE project, which has had as a main objective to contribute to addressing housing shortages for beneficiaries of international protection by piloting community sponsorship schemes and enhancing engagement of sponsors in Belgium, Italy and Lithuania. In Belgium, the project has helped Fedasil expand community sponsorship initiatives, providing alternative reception options for resettled refugees and contributing to longer-term resettlement capacity.

RESPONSIBILITIES

General Functions

• In close coordination with the Project Associate and Junior Project Assistant, provide assistance with the overall implementation and following-up on the project activities. This includes following up on projects’ work plans and deliverables, organizing events, supporting a recruitment campaign for landlords, etc.;

• Draft meeting reports and minutes as well as IOM documents and forms related to IOM operational and administrative matters;

• Assist with the organization of virtual and in-person events and conferences;

• Assist in drafting public information documents, website articles, LinkedIn posts, press releases and information dissemination on IOM activities towards public and private organisation;

• Contribute to the identification and development of project ideas and proposals in the field of MPA;

• Participate in project and team coordination meetings;

• Provide clerical assistance to the MPA team and ad hoc support to other Country Office project teams as needed;

• Any other tasks as may be required.

Learning Objectives

• The successful candidate will be part of an international professional environment, within the United Nations system.

• The intern will gain expertise in the field of migration and integration and more specifically in the area of housing for beneficiaries of international protection.

• The candidate will become acquainted with the work of the governmental and non-governmental organizations at different governance levels (federal, regional, local) in the areas of migration and integration/housing

• The intern will gain a better understanding of IOM’s work, as an inter-governmental organization in the field of migration, with a wide range of stakeholders including the European Union, national and regional governments and other partners, including civil society and diaspora organisations, to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Migration Studies, Communications, International Relations, Sociology, Anthropology or other relevant fields of study from an accredited academic institution.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Applicants to IOM internships must, at the time of application, meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); or

• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or

• Have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must commence the internship within one year of graduation.

Experience & Skills

• Strong organizational skills;

• Excellent writing and drafting skills;

• Excellent communication skills;

• First working experience or internship within the national public sector/ NGOs related to migration or project management would be highly desirable;

• Knowledge of the Belgian context and policies in the field of integration of and/or housing solutions for beneficiaries of international protection is an advantage.

Languages

• Fluency in English, and French or Dutch is required.

IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish.  Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Other

The internship is subject to local recruitment: only persons holding a valid residence and work permit for Belgium will be eligible for consideration.

The intern is expected to apply and obtain a scholarship to cover his/her costs of living during the internship. An application can be submitted, for instance, to the Flanders Trainee Programme – Departement Buitenlandse Zaken (fdfa.be), Wallonie-Bruxelles International (wbi.be) or Erasmus+ program.The start of the internship position is based upon availability of funding for the position.

IOM reserves the right to contact shortlisted candidates only.

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 three 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.