RSD Intern

Deadline for Applications September 28, 2026 Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based) H (no hardship) Family Type (not applicable for home-based) Family Staff Member / Affiliate Type Internship Target Start Date 2026-10-19 Terms of Reference ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT The UNHCR Multi-Country Office (MCO) based in Italy oversees operations in Italy, the Holy See, Malta, and San Marino – countries situated at the crossroads of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, and characterized by diverse asylum systems, distinct legal frameworks, and varying capacities for refugee protection. This sub region plays a pivotal role in migration and refugee movements to Europe, particularly through the Central and Eastern Mediterranean routes. Irregular arrivals by sea and land, secondary movements, and complex protection needs place continued pressure on national asylum and reception systems. Although the number of arrivals fluctuates, the centrality of these countries in broader European migration dynamics remains constant. Italy and Malta, in particular, continue to serve as primary entry points to the EU for persons seeking international protection. Their geographic proximity to North Africa positions Italy as a key actor in search and rescue (SAR) activities and in receiving persons rescued at sea. San Marino and the Vatican City, though not primary asylum destinations, are engaged partners in refugee protection through political advocacy, moral leadership, and resettlement or complementary pathways, especially under community sponsorship and humanitarian corridors supported by faith-based organizations. In Italy, UNHCR was part of the decentralized Refugee Status Determination (RSD) procedure from 2005 to 2018 as a fully-fledged member of the Territorial Commissions for the recognition of international protection. Since 2018, following UNHCR’s gradual disengagement from direct decision-making and the introduction of independent experts in place of UNHCR staff, the organization has maintained its strategic supervisory role by promoting its RSD guidance and strengthening State capacity through quality monitoring, the designation of independent experts, and training. In this context, the regular legal review and updating of training materials addressed to the different actors involved in the Italian asylum procedure are essential to ensure that capacity-development activities reflect relevant legislative, policy, procedural, and case law developments, including those arising from the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.

The intern would focus on the legal review and updating of existing training materials (PPTs, videos, Word and PDF documents) on international protection and asylum procedures, developed for different actors involved in the Italian asylum procedure, ensuring that their content reflects relevant legislative, policy and jurisprudential developments, including those arising from the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. The ideal candidate would support the RSD team, particularly the RSD focal point for capacity development, in reviewing the substantive content of existing training materials and identifying sections requiring revision or updating. This would include updating slide decks, video content, and other training resources to reflect relevant legal and procedural developments. The role would also involve supporting the preparation and updating of background materials for facilitators, including relevant legislation, case law, policy documents and guidance, as well as reference materials for participants. As RSD training activities target a range of actors with different roles and responsibilities within the asylum procedure (e.g. eligibility caseworkers and Presidents of Territorial Commissions, administrative staff, independent experts, etc.), the materials should be legally accurate, practical and tailored to the specific needs of their intended audience.