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 organi

📌 RSD Intern (Roma)
🏢 Unhcr
📍 Roma