UNHCR - Legal Work Interns

  Cyprus

Nicosia (Lefkosia)

Term: Throughout the year 

Description: Under the overall guidance/supervision of the Legal Officer, the aim of the internship is to:

* Address requests for information/advice from persons of concern with a view to contribute to solve the problem when referral to an NGO is not advisable

* Follow up on individual cases

* Assistance in answering questionnaires sent either from Headquarters or NGO

* Legal Research on Country of Origin Information (COI)

* Legal Research on contemporary protection related issues (use of internet as a source)

* Research on EU and international asylum related policies (such as reception conditions in other EU countries, Legal aid across the globe etc)

* Monitor access to the asylum procedure through ad hoc visits of offices where applications can be filed.

Guide the Association of Recognised Refugees (CYPRUS) to get organized, put priorities and to start implementing them.

* Be perceptive to potential good stories that may be of interest for the purpose of public awareness on the situation of a/s and refugees in Cyprus and their needs and forward the information to the Public Information Officer.

* Contribute to the organization of activities for the World Refugee Day (interns arriving before 20 June).

* Contribute innovative proposals to foster public awareness on refugee issues.

* Periodically read the National Gazette with the purpose to follow up legislative developments affecting refugees and asylum seekers (Greek speaking interns)

* Access the public web of the Parliament with the purpose of following up if draft legislation affecting the asylum seekers and the refugees are being tabled for discussion (Greek speaking interns).

* Periodically access Leginet (the local legal website) with the purpose of obtaining court decisions dealing with asylum cases and translate them into English (Greek speaking interns).

* Translate laws and regulations impacting the refugees and asylum seekers, from Greek into English (Greek speaking interns).

* Translate official public reports dealing with refugee issues, from Greek into English (Greek speaking interns).

* Draft correspondence as requested.

Highlights: Information for Interns:

* Purpose of the Internship Programme

Opportunity for university graduates or university (advanced) students, to gain work experience related to their background and interests. Enrich the curriculum vitae of interns with experience in a well respected international organization.
Enable UNHCR to benefit from the work undertaken by interns.

* Application

Applications may be sent via Email, Fax, and Mail. Applications must include a completed internship application form available electronically on Internet.

* Administration, Supervision of Interns

Once selected, you will be assigned to a work unit (Public Information Unit or Legal Protection Unit) or to other ad-hoc refugee projects, under the supervision of a member of the permanent staff who will be responsible to guide you in your duties.

After the completion of the internship and based on their performance, interns will be issued a letter of reference covering the period of internship with UNHCR and area of work.

* Subsequent Employment by UNHCR

There is no expectation of employment at the end of the internship.

* Remuneration

No provision is made for remuneration of interns. All costs connected with internships must be borne by the interns or sponsors. However, a provision has been made to cover for transportation fees of interns at a fixed rate of 30.75 Euros for fulltime internships and 15.40 Euros for part time internships, respectively. Transportation outside Nicosia will be reimbursed.

Qualifications:
- Advanced students or graduates in the area of political sciences, economic and social development, international relations, public policy, law.

- Able to demonstrate initiative, work independently, and flexibility.

- Interests in humanitarian activities, human rights, refugees, or the United Nations Organization.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Cyprus Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Job and Internship Network