Organization: UN High Commissioner for Refugees
Country: Ecuador
Closing date: 05 Jul 2017
Ecuador hosts the largest refugee population in Latin America, with over 54,800 refugees officially recognized by the Government as of September 2013. An estimated 160,000 individuals have requested asylum in the country since 2000. The vast majority of refugees in Ecuador (98 per cent) are Colombians who have left their country over the last decade due to the internal conflict. New arrivals continue to reach Ecuador at a rate of 1,000 per month. Sixty per cent of refugees and asylum-seekers settle in marginal and poor urban areas, mainly in Quito and Guayaquil and other cities, while around 40 per cent reside in isolated regions with limited basic services and infrastructure, along the northern border.
Description of activities:
Under the supervision of the Protection Unit, the intern will be asked to perform the following activities:
· Assist the protection team with individual case management, and identification of specific needs for the promotion of durable solutions.
· Active participation in the weekly Durable Solutions Committee.
· Support the interview process with Asylum Seekers and Refugees, providing guidance on asylum procedures and humanitarian assistance.
· Support with daily inquiries related to domestic and international protection, and accompaniment of interviews.
· Systematize information to monitor protection activities and procedures.
· Support with the translation of UNHCR documents.
· Performs other duties as required.
Requirements:
· University Degree in Law, Social Sciences or International Relations.
· Good Knowledge of Spanish and English.
· Availability for 6 months from August 2017.
· Capacity to adapt to the requirements of the operation and to be a good team player.
· Respect for diversity and capacity to work in stressful contexts.
Remarks:
· United Nations interns are not paid. All costs related to travel, insurance, accommodation, and living expenses must be borne by either the interns or their sponsoring institutions.
· Visa: The intern will be responsible for obtaining and financing the necessary visas.
· Travel: The intern will arrange and finance the travel to the United Nations location where the internship will be completed.
· Medical insurance: The intern will be responsible for costs arising from accidents and/or illness incurred during the internship and must show proof of a valid medical insurance coverage.
How to apply:
Applicants must send their application by email to RODRIANA@unhcr.org with copy SUNTAXI@unhcr.org, indicating the dates proposed for the internship, with “Internship Protection Unit Ibarra-Ecuador” in the subject line, or physically to: ACNUR, Calle Juan de la Roca 3-56 y Avda. José Tobar y Tobar, Sector Pilanquí, Ibarra, Imbabura – Ecuador. Only those shortlisted shall be contacted and interviewed.
The application consists of an introductory letter, addressed to the Head of UNHCR Field Office in Ibarra, indicating their specific personal and professional interest, expectations and objectives pursued, as well as the possible contributions and inputs they would like to make during the internship period. A Curriculum Vitae should be attached, along with letters of recommendation or references, if available.
