The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has announced an exciting Administrative Intern opportunity based in Sofia, Bulgaria, offering students and recent graduates a valuable chance to gain hands-on experience within one of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations. This full-time, on-site internship is designed for motivated individuals eager to build foundational administrative skills while contributing to UNHCR’s mission of protecting forcibly displaced people worldwide.
With a target start date of 1 March 2026 and an application deadline of 9 February 2026, this internship is ideal for candidates fluent in Bulgarian and English who are seeking exposure to real-world United Nations operations in a structured and supportive learning environment.
Also Read:IMF Fund Internship Program- 2026 Apply Now
About UNHCR: A Global Humanitarian Leader
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads international efforts to protect people forced to flee due to war, conflict, and persecution. Operating in 137 countries with nearly 19,000 staff members, UNHCR provides life-saving assistance including shelter, food, water, legal protection, and support for long-term solutions such as voluntary repatriation, resettlement, and local integration.
At a time when global forced displacement has reached record levels, UNHCR’s work has never been more critical. A career with UNHCR means being part of a diverse, inclusive, and mission-driven workforce committed to safeguarding human dignity and rights.
Internship Overview: Administrative Intern – Sofia, Bulgaria
The Administrative Intern position is part of UNHCR’s internship programme, which aims to provide early-career professionals with practical exposure to UN operations while strengthening institutional capacity. This role is based in Sofia, Bulgaria, and is not remote.
Key Details at a Glance:
- Job Title: Administrative Intern
- Location: Sofia, Bulgaria
- Contract Type: Internship
- Time Type: Full-time
- Target Start Date: 1 March 2026
- Application Deadline: 9 February 2026
- Job Requisition ID: JR2663757
The position falls under a non-hardship duty station and is suitable for candidates eligible to work in an office-based UN environment.
Role Purpose and Learning Objectives
The Administrative Intern will support the Administrative Unit by assisting with routine administrative services and day-to-day office operations. The role is structured to ensure that the intern gains meaningful professional experience while working under continuous guidance and supervision.
Assignments will be aligned with the intern’s learning objectives and adapted to operational needs, offering exposure to multiple administrative functions within a UNHCR office. Due to the nature of administrative and personnel-related tasks, the role requires a high level of discretion, confidentiality, and professionalism.
For more info and job details
Join United Nations Opportunities WhatsApp Channel
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The intern will contribute across a broad range of administrative activities, including but not limited to:
- Receiving visitors, answering and screening telephone calls, and responding to routine information requests
- Taking notes during meetings when required
- Maintaining both electronic and physical filing systems, including classification and coding of documents
- Sorting, reviewing, and distributing incoming and outgoing correspondence and office pouch materials
- Highlighting priority items and maintaining effective follow-up systems
- Drafting routine correspondence, memoranda, and reports
- Formatting more complex documents using appropriate office technology
- Supporting personnel administrative processes, including documentation related to official travel, leave, and staff movements
- Assisting staff members with personnel-related administrative documentation
- Managing office inventory and monitoring office supplies
- Supporting asset management tracking to ensure accurate recording of procurement and disposal of UNHCR property
- Assisting with logistical and administrative arrangements for seminars, workshops, briefings, and meetings
- Monitoring office facilities and equipment to ensure proper functioning
- Performing other related administrative duties as assigned
These responsibilities provide interns with a strong foundation in administrative operations within an international humanitarian organization.
Eligibility and Minimum Qualifications
To be considered for this internship, candidates must meet all of the following criteria:
Educational Requirements
- Be a current student enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate programme, or a recent graduate who completed their studies within two years of applying
- Have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a field relevant to or of interest to UNHCR’s work
- Be enrolled in or graduated from an institution accredited by IAU/UNESCO
Internship Eligibility
- Must not have exceeded the maximum cumulative internship period with UNHCR
- Maximum: 8 months (full-time) or 12 months (part-time), including any previous UNHCR internships
Language Requirements
- Fluency in Bulgarian and English is required
Skills, Professional Conduct, and Confidentiality
This internship requires basic knowledge of administrative rules, procedures, and operational standards within a UN environment. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle confidential information responsibly are essential.
Interns are expected to demonstrate professionalism, respect workplace diversity, and adhere to UNHCR’s standards of conduct at all times.
Diversity, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunity
UNHCR is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications are encouraged from qualified candidates regardless of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Candidates with disabilities may indicate any required adjustments during the recruitment process. Such information is treated confidentially and used solely to ensure equitable participation.
Important Application Notes
- UNHCR does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process
- Applications are accepted only through the official UNHCR online recruitment platform
- CVs or applications sent by email will not be reviewed
- External applicants experiencing technical issues may contact: recruitmentcase@unhcr.org
Applicants are strongly advised to apply early and ensure all required information is accurately completed in the online system.
Why Apply for This Internship?
This Administrative Internship offers a unique opportunity to:
- Gain hands-on experience in a UN operational office
- Develop practical administrative and organizational skills
- Work in a multicultural, mission-driven environment
- Build a strong foundation for a future career in international organizations or humanitarian work
For students and recent graduates aspiring to work in international administration or humanitarian operations, this internship serves as a valuable stepping stone.
