Intern – Diaspora Engagement

Context

The Labour Mobility and Inclusion (LMI) Unit at IOM Belgium and Luxembourg is developing and implementing projects in subject areas such as migration and development, labour migration, integration, counter-trafficking, vulnerable migrant groups and unaccompanied migrant children (UMC).

The intern will support and strengthen diaspora engagement activities in Belgium and Luxembourg, which includes, but is not limited to, supporting the implementation of the O-REMIT project (a project that explores cost effective alternatives for remittances and opportunities for investment of savings for diasporas residing in Belgium), 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 the 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 the following tasks:

Within the framework of the O-REMIT project:

1. Support the O-REMIT project team with the operational implementation of project activities, such as outreach to diaspora organizations and individuals, data collection efforts, creation of a sensitization campaign and content creation for workshops;
2. Assist with the research on the topics of remittance flows and remittance behaviours of diasporas. Assist with the analyses of trends and summarize results;
3. Assist with the administrative tasks of the O-REMIT project. This includes assisting with the drafting of meeting reports and minutes, background information documents to prepare meetings and PowerPoint presentations;
4. Assist with the preparation and logistical organization of virtual and in-person events, conferences and workshops;
5. Support the project team with communication activities: help creating social media/website content, help drafting visibility materials, keeping track of communication material, reviewing press for remittance related news, etc.

Within the framework of general Diaspora Engagement Unit activities:

1. Support the Diaspora focal point 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;
2. Assist in the creation of Diaspora Insights podcast episodes;
3. Assist in the further operationalization of IOM Belgium and Luxembourg’s Diaspora Advisory Board, 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.
4. Assist in undertaking research, data collection and analysis related and relevant to diaspora communities (remittances, human capital, entrepreneurship) in Belgium, Luxembourg, the EU and in third countries;
5. Assist the project coordinator with background research for the development of new diaspora projects.
6. 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 remittances, 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.

Required Qualifications and Experience

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.

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: Proficiency in English is required; Fluency in Dutch and/or in French 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. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment and verification of residency, visa and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. As part of the mandatory medical entry on duty clearance, candidates will be requested to provide evidence of vaccination against COVID-19.

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.