Advocacy Internship @United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has announced an opportunity for aspiring international affairs and policy professionals through its Advocacy Intern (Europe) programme based in Brussels, Belgium. The internship offers candidates a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in advocacy, communications, humanitarian affairs, and European policymaking within one of the United Nations’ largest humanitarian organizations.

The internship will be hosted by UNRWA’s Representative Office to the European Union (ROE), which serves as a key liaison between the agency and European institutions, member states, policymakers, and development partners. Applications are currently open, with the internship expected to commence in August 2026.

Opportunity to Work at the Intersection of Advocacy and Humanitarian Affairs

UNRWA provides essential services to approximately six million Palestine refugees across the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. The agency delivers education, healthcare, social services, emergency assistance, and humanitarian support to refugee communities throughout the Middle East.

The Representative Office for Europe plays a crucial role in advancing awareness and support for UNRWA’s mission among European stakeholders. Based in Brussels, the office engages with:

• European Union institutions
• European Parliament representatives
• European Commission officials
• EU member states
• Civil society organizations
• International development partners
• Media organizations and think tanks

The selected intern will join a multicultural team of professionals and contribute directly to advocacy, outreach, and communication activities that support UNRWA’s humanitarian mandate.

Internship Provides Hands-On Experience in European Policy Engagement

The full-time internship will run for approximately five to six months and offers participants exposure to European political processes, foreign policy discussions, humanitarian diplomacy, and stakeholder engagement.

Throughout the internship, candidates will gain valuable insights into:

• European Union policymaking processes
• Foreign policy development
• Humanitarian aid frameworks
• International advocacy strategies
• Public affairs and communications
• Multilateral diplomacy

The programme is designed to equip participants with practical skills and professional experience relevant to careers in international relations, public policy, humanitarian affairs, and global development.

Key Responsibilities of the Advocacy Intern

The successful candidate will support the day-to-day operations of the Brussels office through a wide range of responsibilities.

Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement

The intern will assist with:

• Supporting advocacy activities targeting European audiences
• Engaging with policymakers and stakeholders
• Monitoring developments affecting humanitarian and foreign policy discussions
• Supporting outreach initiatives across Europe

Research and Policy Monitoring

Responsibilities include:

• Monitoring media reports and policy developments
• Tracking political developments in selected European countries
• Conducting research on relevant humanitarian and political issues
• Supporting the preparation of policy briefings and background materials

Network and Database Management

The intern will contribute to maintaining relationships and information systems involving:

• Government representatives
• Parliamentary offices
• Political parties
• Civil society organizations
• Think tanks
• Media contacts
• Private sector stakeholders

This includes updating databases and assisting in the management of contact networks.

Communications and Public Outreach

Communication-related duties include:

• Drafting communication materials
• Supporting social media activities
• Assisting with monthly office publications and communiqués
• Translating and adapting documents where required
• Supporting visibility and awareness campaigns

Administrative and Event Support

The selected candidate will also:

• Assist with organizing high-level visits and meetings
• Prepare briefing documents for senior representatives
• Attend conferences, briefings, and stakeholder meetings
• Draft meeting notes and reports
• Support general office administration

Eligibility Requirements for Applicants

UNRWA is seeking highly motivated individuals with strong academic backgrounds and an interest in international affairs.

Applicants must possess:

Educational Qualifications

A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as:

• European Studies
• Political Science
• International Relations
• European Affairs
• Middle Eastern Studies
• Related disciplines

Preference will be given to candidates with knowledge of European policy and Palestinian or Middle Eastern issues.

Language Requirements

Candidates must demonstrate:

• Excellent spoken and written English
• Strong drafting and communication abilities

Knowledge of additional EU or UN languages is considered an advantage, while proficiency in French is highly desirable.

Professional Skills

Applicants should have:

• Excellent research and analytical skills
• Strong written communication abilities
• Effective interpersonal skills
• Time management and organizational capabilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment

The organization also seeks candidates who demonstrate initiative, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Work Authorization and Internship Conditions

To be eligible, applicants must have legal authorization to reside and work in Belgium for the duration of the internship.

Key details include:

• Location: Brussels, Belgium
• Duration: Five to Six Months
• Start Date: August 2026
• Employment Type: Full-Time Internship
• Work Format: In-Person
• Remuneration: Unpaid

While the internship does not provide financial compensation, it offers significant exposure to international advocacy, diplomacy, and humanitarian work within the United Nations system.

Application Process and Deadline

Interested candidates are required to submit:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (maximum two pages)
• A Cover Letter (maximum one page)

Applications must be emailed with the subject line:

“Advocacy Intern (Europe)”

The application deadline is:

• June 11, 2026

Interviews are expected to take place in late June 2026, with successful candidates beginning the internship in August.

UNRWA Reaffirms Commitment to UN Values

UNRWA emphasized that all personnel are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, impartiality, neutrality, and respect for human rights. The agency encourages applications from individuals who share these values and are committed to peaceful, inclusive, and humanitarian approaches to addressing global challenges.

The internship represents a valuable opportunity for emerging professionals seeking firsthand experience in international advocacy, humanitarian diplomacy, and European policy engagement within the United Nations framework.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel

Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the 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.