Human Resources Intern

Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, 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.

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

The Internship Programme aims at attracting talented students and graduates who have a specific interest in, or whose studies have covered, areas relevant to IOM programmes and activities. Interns must be between 20 and 36 years old and should have less than two years of relevant working experience.

In general, the Internship Programme aims at attracting talented students and graduates who:

a) have a specific interest in, or whose studies have covered, areas relevant to IOM programmes and activities;

b) are holding a scholarship for internship placements in international organizations and/or for whom internship is required to complete their studies; or

c) are sponsored by governmental/non governmental institutions and/or academia to work in specific areas relevant to both IOM and the sponsor.

d) are either enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent) or have graduated in the last 12 months.

e) are between 20 and 36 years of age.

Background Information

Under the direct supervision of the Sub-Regional Human Resources Officer, the Human Resources Intern will gain hands‑on exposure to HR operations within IOM South Africa the Sub‑Regional Office. The internship is designed to build practical skills in recruitment, onboarding, personnel administration, and staff support while fostering an understanding of HR processes in an international organization.

Responsibilities

Learning Objectives

During the internship, the selected candidate will have the opportunity to learn and develop competencies in the following areas:

Recruitment and Onboarding

• Learn how to prepare and publish vacancy notices in line with IOM standards.
• Develop skills in reviewing applications and supporting candidate shortlisting.
• Gain experience in coordinating interviews, preparing interview materials, and supporting panel logistics.
• Understand the steps involved in reference checks and pre‑employment documentation.
• Learn how to support onboarding processes, including preparing induction materials and assisting with orientation sessions.

HR Administration and Data Management

• Learn how to maintain personnel files and ensure documentation accuracy.
• Gain exposure to drafting HR selection letter, contracts, and administrative documents.
• Develop skills in updating HR databases, tracking tools, and staff lists.
• Understand how to monitor attendance, leave records, and other HR‑related data.

General HR Operations

• Learn how to provide administrative and logistical support to the Sub-Regional HR Officer and HR team.
• Gain experience in preparing reports, presentations, and HR documentation.
• Understand the broader HR workflow within an international humanitarian organization.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• University degree or final‑year student in Human Resources Management, Administration, Social Sciences, or a related field.

Experience

• Not required

Skills

• Strong organizational and time‑management abilities.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team.

Languages

For this internship, Fluency in English (oral and written)

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Duration: 6 months

DEADLINE: March 10, 2026, 06:00 AM

About the Organization

About IOM 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. With 132 member states, a further 17 states holding observer status and offices in over 100 countries, 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. IOM works to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration, to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced people. The IOM Constitution recognizes the link between migration and economic, social and cultural development, as well as to the right of freedom of movement. IOM works in the four broad areas of migration management: Migration and development Facilitating migration Regulating migration Forced migration. IOM activities that cut across these areas include the promotion of international migration law, policy debate and guidance, protection of migrants' rights, migration health and the gender dimension of migration.