RSD Intern

Deadline for Applications

September 28, 2026

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based) H (no hardship)

Family Type (not applicable for home-based) Family

Staff Member / Affiliate Type Internship

Target Start Date 2026-10-19

Terms of Reference

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The UNHCR Multi-Country Office (MCO) based in Italy oversees operations in Italy, the Holy See, Malta, and San Marino – countries situated at the crossroads of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, and characterized by diverse asylum systems, distinct legal frameworks, and varying capacities for refugee protection.

This sub region plays a pivotal role in migration and refugee movements to Europe, particularly through the Central and Eastern Mediterranean routes. Irregular arrivals by sea and land, secondary movements, and complex protection needs place continued pressure on national asylum and reception systems. Although the number of arrivals fluctuates, the centrality of these countries in broader European migration dynamics remains constant.

Italy and Malta, in particular, continue to serve as primary entry points to the EU for persons seeking international protection. Their geographic proximity to North Africa positions Italy as a key actor in search and rescue (SAR) activities and in receiving persons rescued at sea.

San Marino and the Vatican City, though not primary asylum destinations, are engaged partners in refugee protection through political advocacy, moral leadership, and resettlement or complementary pathways, especially under community sponsorship and humanitarian corridors supported by faith-based organizations.

In Italy, UNHCR was part of the decentralized Refugee Status Determination (RSD) procedure from 2005 to 2018 as a fully-fledged member of the Territorial Commissions for the recognition of international protection. Since 2018, following UNHCR’s gradual disengagement from direct decision-making and the introduction of independent experts in place of UNHCR staff, the organization has maintained its strategic supervisory role by promoting its RSD guidance and strengthening State capacity through quality monitoring, the designation of independent experts, and training. In this context, the regular legal review and updating of training materials addressed to the different actors involved in the Italian asylum procedure are essential to ensure that capacity-development activities reflect relevant legislative, policy, procedural, and case law developments, including those arising from the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.

THE POSITION

The intern would focus on the legal review and updating of existing training materials (PPTs, videos, Word and PDF documents) on international protection and asylum procedures, developed for different actors involved in the Italian asylum procedure, ensuring that their content reflects relevant legislative, policy and jurisprudential developments, including those arising from the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.

The ideal candidate would support the RSD team, particularly the RSD focal point for capacity development, in reviewing the substantive content of existing training materials and identifying sections requiring revision or updating. This would include updating slide decks, video content, and other training resources to reflect relevant legal and procedural developments.

The role would also involve supporting the preparation and updating of background materials for facilitators, including relevant legislation, case law, policy documents and guidance, as well as reference materials for participants. As RSD training activities target a range of actors with different roles and responsibilities within the asylum procedure (e.g. eligibility caseworkers and Presidents of Territorial Commissions, administrative staff, independent experts, etc.), the materials should be legally accurate, practical and tailored to the specific needs of their intended audience.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the RSD Associate and in close coordination with the RSD focal point for capacity development, the intern will:

• Review existing training materials on international protection and asylum procedures in light of relevant legislative, jurisprudential, policy, and operational developments;

• Identify sections of the training materials that may require revision and, under the guidance of RSD colleagues, support the identification of the necessary updates;

• Support the substantive updating of training materials, contributing to their legal accuracy, clarity, and consistency;

• Assist in the preparation of background materials for facilitators, including relevant legislation, case law, policy documents, guidance, and other legal resources;

• Support the preparation of materials for course participants, adapting their content and level of detail to the roles and responsibilities of the different actors involved in the asylum procedure;

• Contribute to the development of practical training tools, including case studies, exercises, and discussion scenarios based on relevant legal and procedural issues;

• Support the organization and consolidation of legal resources and reference materials to facilitate their use in training and capacity-development activities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

In order to be considered for an internship, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be either a recent graduate (having completed their studies within two years of applying) or a current student in a graduate/undergraduate school programme from a university or higher education facility accredited by IAU/UNESCO ; and

• Have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a field relevant or of interest to the work of UNHCR .

• Candidates with previous UNHCR Internship experience must not have exceeded the maximum total cumulative full-time internship duration of eight (8) months.

For this internship, fluency in Italian and good command of English are required.

NOTE: An individual who bears the relationship of parent, child or sibling or step-parent, step-child or step-sibling to a current UNHCR staff member or affiliate is not eligible for an internship.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Recent graduate or current student in Law or a related field;

• Strong legal research and analytical skills, including the ability to review legislation, case law, policy documents, and guidance;

• Good drafting and editing skills both in Italian and in English;

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and PowerPoint;

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively;

• Expertise in international protection, asylum procedures, and European Union law is an asset;

• Demonstrated experience in editing and visually presenting documents or training materials, including through the use of graphic design, content creation, and AI tools, would be considered an asset.

CONDITIONS

This is a full-time internship with working hours starting from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday (37.5 hours per week).

Interns who do not receive financial support from an outside party will receive an allowance to cover the cost of food, local transportation and living expenses.

Selected Interns must provide proof of medical insurance coverage valid for the internship location.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Italy.

UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).

English is the official working language of UNHCR in Italy. Only applications fully completed in English will be considered.

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Assessment of short-listed candidates might comprise of both an interview and a written test.

We welcome applications from candidates with a refugee or stateless background.

The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

UNHCR has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and sexual harassment. Successful candidates will be subject to mandatory UN Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment clearance check prior to receiving an offer.

In case of any queries, please contact the Italy HR Team at itarohr@unhcr.org.

Standard Job Description

Required Languages

English, Italian

Desired Languages

Additional Qualifications

• Skills

• Education

• Certifications

• Work Experience

Other information This position doesn't require a functional clearance

Remote No