Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
Context:
The IOM Country Office for Belgium & Luxembourg is implementing projects in migration related areas such as migration and development, migrant protection and assistance, labour migration, integration, counter-trafficking, vulnerable migrant groups and unaccompanied migrant children.
Under the direct supervision of the Senior Partnership and Liaison Assistant, the successful candidate will support and strengthen diaspora engagement activities in Belgium and Luxembourg, which includes, but is not limited to, supporting the implementation of diaspora-related activities under the Conex project (a project that aims to improve the referral of migrants in vulnerable situations to professional services), outreach activities (meetings, newsletter and social media), assisting with content creation for the Diaspora Insights podcast, research relevant to diaspora communities in Belgium and Luxembourg, follow-up on IOM Belgium and Luxembourg's Diaspora Advisory Board and project development.
The intern will have the opportunity to work in close cooperation with other colleagues in the IOM Belgium and Luxembourg Country Office.
The intern will support with the following tasks:
Within the framework of general Diaspora Engagement Unit activities:
Support the Diaspora focal points with outreach and visibility activities with regards to diaspora members in Belgium and Luxembourg. This includes creation of content of the biannual diaspora newsletter, creation of social media content, updating the Diaspora webpage and updating the diaspora contact list and help drafting outreach mails to umbrella diaspora organizations; Assist in the creation of Diaspora Insights podcast episodes; Assist in the further operationalization of IOM Belgium and Luxembourg’s Diaspora Advisory Board (DAB), which aims to be a place of cooperation and co-creation between diaspora members and IOM. This also includes the logistic preparation of the DAB meetings and its thematic working groups; Assist in undertaking research, data collection and analysis related and relevant to diaspora communities; Assist with background research for the development of new diaspora projects.Within the framework of the Conex project:
Support the Conex project team with the operational implementation of project activities, such as outreach to diaspora organizations and individuals, content creation for workshops, follow-up on Incentive Fund partners; Assist with the administrative tasks of the Conex project. This includes assisting with the drafting of meeting reports and minutes, background information documents to prepare meetings and PowerPoint presentations; Assist with the preparation and logistical organization of virtual and in-person events, conferences and workshops;Any other duty within the incumbent’s capabilities as assigned by the Chief of Mission and the Head of Unit.
Training Components and Learning Elements
Gain working experience in an international multicultural environment within the UN system; Gain expertise in the field of migration and more specifically in the area of diaspora investments and diaspora engagement; Become acquainted with the work of diaspora members in Belgium and their countries of origin; Gain expertise on the different phases of the project management cycle (project implementation, project development); Gain a better understanding of IOM’s work, as an inter-governmental organization in the field of Migration with actors such as the European Union, Governments and other partners to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration.Education:
University degree (Bachelor or Master) in Economics, Statistics (data management), Migration Studies, Communication, Sociology, Anthropology, or other fields of study from an accredited academic institution.
Applicants to IOM internships must, at the time of application, meet one of the following requirements:
Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or Have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must commence the internship within one year of graduation.Experience:
Familiarity with diaspora organisations or communities (residing in Belgium) or being part of the diaspora would be an advantage. First working experience, internship or volunteering experience related to project management would be an advantage. Knowledge of the Belgian context and policies in the field of migration is an advantage. Strong writing and drafting skills are a requirement. Strong organizational and analytical skills are a requirement. Computer literacy, especially database and formatting tools are an advantage; Familiarity with design and/or editing tools is an advantage.Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required, and working knowledge in Dutch is an advantage.
Other:
The internship is subject to local recruitment: only persons holding a valid residence and work permit for Belgium will be eligible for consideration.
The intern is expected to apply and obtain a scholarship to cover his/her costs of living during the internship. An application can be submitted, for instance, to the Flanders Trainee Programme - Departement Buitenlandse Zaken (fdfa.be), Wallonie-Bruxelles International (wbi.be) or Erasmus+ program.
The start of the internship position is based upon availability of funding for the position.