Frequently Asked Questions about IOM Internships
Students and Graduates seeking entry-level opportunities in migration affairs often neglect or don’t find the right information about joining the United Nations International Organisation for Migration (IOM). Many times, the right information is not readily available about how to apply, and what the IOM is looking for in a candidate in terms of qualifications, and skills among other attributes. Do you have questions about IOM Internships? Through our research from the official IOM site, we list frequently asked questions and answers below regarding IOM Internships. The questions and answers are not exhaustive, however, they attempt to provide insights that could be helpful in enabling you to step into a life-changing career.
What is IOM?
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is part of the United Nations System as the leading inter-governmental organization promoting humane and orderly migration since 1951. It has 175 member states and has a presence in over 100 countries.
Does IOM offer Internships?
Yes, the IOM offers Internships to students or recent graduates.
What studies qualify me for an IOM Internship?
IOM offers internships to students and recent graduates from different disciplines. You can qualify for an IOM internship if you are studying or studied a bachelor’s program or a graduate degree program in law, migration affairs, international relations, Refugee Law, International Law, International Relations, Political Science, and Economics. Communications, Accounting, Statistics, Public Health, Food and Nutrition, Agriculture, etc. Basically, most degree programs qualify you to secure an IOM internship depending on the needs of the hiring unit.
Do l need work experience to qualify for IOM Internships?
In general, no work experience is required to secure an IOM Internship. However, due to an increase in demand for internships from early careers who have some experience, for you to meet and match the competition, it’s advisable to get some voluntary experience or actively participate in clubs/ fellowships at your school.
How long is the IOM Internship?
The IOM Internships usually last from 2 to 6 months based on the needs and interests of the Intern and the IOM Country Office. The IOM will prefer candidates who can commit at least 6 months as this will help the intern gain more experience and help with projects and programs being carried out by a country office. The maximum duration of an internship is 9 months.
Do IOM Interns get paid?
Interns at IOM receive a monthly subsistence allowance (MSA) which is a monetary stipend intended to help the Intern cover accommodation and living expenses. IOM can have an agreement with a university to provide internship assignments for its students as part of their module work/course work the intern may be provided with funding/ scholarship through their university, government, or other institutions. In some instances, the Director of Human Resources may waive the MSA for Interns who reside locally.
Can I get a Visa and Travel Support under an IOM internship?
The sponsoring institution or individual interns are responsible for arranging their travel to and from the duty stations. Expenses associated with travel and visas must be paid by the intern or the sponsoring institution. A Visa Support letter will be prepared by IOM to support the intern with a Visa application.
Does IOM offer Health Insurance during the Internship Period?
Interns are covered against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Organization’s Compensation Plan (CP) insurance, regardless of the location of the assignment.
All interns who are not nationals of the country where their duty station is located must show proof of valid medical insurance coverage, including evacuation and repatriation coverage, to cover the full period of the internship.
Locally recruited interns who are nationals of the country where their duty station is located must also show proof of valid medical insurance coverage to cover the full period of the internship. Note: Evacuation and repatriation coverage are not required for locally recruited interns.
All interns must provide a medical certificate of good health along with their vaccination records prior to the commencement of the internship.
NB Reference: the information below has been sourced directly from the IOM website.
Will I get a job after my internship?
IOM evaluates interns who may eventually be considered for future external vacancies and/or short-term assignments. In general, interns are considered external candidates and can apply for vacancies that are open to external candidates during and after their assignment.
Interns should view this as a learning experience rather than the means to secure a job with IOM. This type of experience will look good on their CV or resume, which will be useful in their future job search.
Internships in IOM field missions
For internships in IOM Country Offices, please send your application directly to the specific office in which you are interested in working. You can find the contact details of IOM country offices by selecting one of the countries on this page.
In addition, please feel free to register your interest for an upcoming internship with IOM by submitting your profile here. Please do not forget to “release” your profile within the system for our review. We review profiles on a needs basis.
Important: There is no specific time of the year for sending your application for an internship. As mentioned, please feel free to register by submitting your profile here. Do not forget to “release” your profile within the system for our review. If you were granted (or may be granted) a scholarship or your internship is a mandatory requirement for completing your studies, you should specify this in your cover letter, as well as the exact dates of the proposed internship. Remember to attach a letter from your sponsor or university confirming the purpose of the assignment, as well as the amount of your grant.
