IOM Opens Applications for Protection Internship in Pretoria Under 2026 Global Access Internship Programme
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has opened applications for an Intern – Protection position based in Pretoria, South Africa, offering aspiring migration and humanitarian professionals an opportunity to gain practical experience within the United Nations system.
The internship forms part of the 2026 Global Access Internship Programme, a specialized initiative designed to increase representation from underrepresented IOM Member States while providing valuable international work experience to emerging professionals.
Applications are open until 5 July 2026, with the internship expected to run for six months, subject to possible extension.
About IOM and Its Global Mission
Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration is a related organization of the United Nations and the leading intergovernmental agency working on migration issues worldwide.
The organization works closely with governments, civil society organizations, international institutions, and local communities to:
- Promote safe, orderly, and humane migration
- Protect migrants and displaced populations
- Support solutions to displacement crises
- Facilitate regular migration pathways
- Strengthen migration governance globally
IOM also emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity within its workforce, encouraging applications from candidates of varied backgrounds and experiences.
Role Overview: Supporting Regional Protection Programming
The internship is housed within the Protection Regional Thematic Unit (PXD RTU), which operates under the Deputy Regional Director for Operations.
The unit provides technical guidance, thematic expertise, and policy support to IOM Country Offices across Southern Africa and works closely with the Protection Division at IOM Headquarters.
The selected intern will support regional efforts aimed at:
- Protecting migrants and displaced populations
- Strengthening protection programming
- Supporting policy development
- Enhancing knowledge management
- Facilitating project development and resource mobilization
The role reports directly to the Regional Thematic Specialist – Protection and contributes to regional initiatives addressing migration-related protection challenges.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will assist with a broad range of protection-related activities across Southern Africa.
Primary duties include:
- Supporting capacity-building initiatives and protection training programmes
- Assisting with monitoring and evaluation activities
- Reviewing and tracking project proposals from Country Offices
- Supporting the review and monitoring of project reports
- Identifying emerging protection trends and thematic developments
- Contributing to regional policy documents and analytical reports
- Providing technical support and guidance resources for Country Offices
- Assisting with development of multi-country protection projects
- Drafting guidance notes, tools, and information materials
- Preparing presentations, briefings, speeches, and reports
- Supporting knowledge management and information-sharing processes
- Participating in conferences, workshops, and stakeholder meetings
The position offers significant exposure to regional migration governance and humanitarian protection programming.
Learning and Professional Development Opportunities
IOM has outlined several learning objectives for interns participating in the programme.
Participants will gain practical experience in:
- Protection programming within regional migration contexts
- Project development and reporting processes
- Monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems
- Policy analysis and thematic research
- Knowledge management and organizational coordination
- Strategic communication and technical writing
Interns will also have access to:
- Online learning resources available to IOM personnel
- Collaboration opportunities with IOM Headquarters and field missions
- Exposure to international cooperation and humanitarian programming
- Multicultural working environments within the United Nations system
Eligibility Requirements
The internship targets students and recent graduates interested in migration, protection, and humanitarian affairs.
Applicants must:
- Be between 20 and 36 years old
- Be enrolled in the final year of a bachelor’s degree programme or higher
- Have graduated within the last 12 months if not currently studying
- Have less than two years of relevant professional experience
Eligible academic backgrounds include:
- Political Science
- Social Sciences
- International Relations
- Migration Studies
- Law
- Business Administration
- Related disciplines
Desired Skills and Experience
While previous experience is not mandatory, candidates with demonstrated interest in protection and migration issues are encouraged to apply.
Preferred qualifications include:
- Strong analytical and research skills
- Excellent writing and communication abilities
- Knowledge of project development and reporting
- Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation processes
- Ability to work effectively in multicultural environments
- Experience engaging with governments, NGOs, or international organizations
Language requirements include:
- Fluency in English (written and spoken)
- Knowledge of French or Portuguese is considered an advantage
Competencies and Values
Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate IOM’s core values and competencies.
Core values include:
- Inclusion and respect for diversity
- Integrity and transparency
- Professionalism
- Courage
- Empathy
Core competencies include:
- Teamwork
- Delivering results
- Accountability
- Communication
- Knowledge sharing and innovation
The organization also places strong emphasis on gender equality, safeguarding, and inclusive participation.
Global Access Internship Programme Benefits
The internship is part of IOM’s effort to expand opportunities for candidates from underrepresented Member States and marginalized groups.
Programme benefits include:
- Monthly stipend support (subject to eligibility)
- Visa-related cost coverage
- Travel arrangements facilitated by IOM
- Professional experience within the UN system
- Exposure to international migration policy and programming
IOM also strongly encourages applications from persons with disabilities and minority groups from eligible Member States.
Application Deadline and Selection Process
Interested candidates must submit their applications through the official IOM e-Recruitment platform no later than 5 July 2026 at 23:59.
Selection may include:
- Written assessments
- Interviews
- Competency-based evaluations
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Why This Internship Matters
As migration challenges continue to evolve globally, the demand for professionals skilled in protection programming, displacement solutions, and migration governance is increasing. This internship offers a unique opportunity for emerging professionals to gain hands-on experience within one of the world’s leading migration organizations while contributing to efforts that support vulnerable populations across Southern Africa.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel
Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding
