Duties and Responsibilities
Since its establishment in 1950, UNRWA has created and maintained extensive records documenting the history and experiences of Palestine refugees. These records, including registration files and other administrative and historical documentation, now span multiple generations and capture key life events, movements, and interactions with the Agency from the Nakba in 1948 to the present day. Over time, UNRWA has progressively modernized its records management practices, transitioning from paper-based documentation to digital systems. Today, while current data are maintained within the Agency’s web-based Refugee Registration Information System, extensive historical archives, comprising nearly 30 million documents, are preserved as part of UNRWA’s institutional memory and permanent records. Within this context, the Relief and Social Services Department (RSSD) is implementing a project aimed at strengthening UNRWA’s capacity to preserve, digitize, and make accessible its archival records, as well as to support research and analysis based on these materials. Through this internship, the intern(s) will gain: • Practical exposure to archival research and the management of historical and permanent records • Hands-on experience working with digitized archival materials, including information extraction and qualitative analysis • Experience in synthesizing archival findings into clear, concise analytical briefs and written outputs • Understanding of UNRWA’s institutional context, including its registration mandate, evidentiary standards, and data governance principles • Familiarity with digital tools and methodologies used for archival research, records preservation, and analysis in a humanitarian context Duties and responsibilities: Under the supervision of the Senior Research and Partnership Officer in RSSD, the intern(s) will support the implementation of the Digital Archive Project, with a particular focus on: • Review and analyze digitized archival materials in line with established guidelines and objectives. • Extract, validate, and synthesize key information from archival sources to support the development of accurate and coherent written outputs. • Produce concise analytical briefs and summaries based on archival findings, ensuring clarity, consistency, and relevance for operational and research purposes. • Cross-check extracted information against original records to ensure accuracy, completeness, and appropriate contextual interpretation. • Identify, document, and flag gaps, inconsistencies, or ambiguities within archival materials to inform data quality improvements and future research efforts. • Support documentation and tracking of review and writing activities to contribute to project monitoring, reporting, and refinement of workflows and methodologies
Qualifications/special skills
Education: Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a MSc or PhD university programme in one of the following fields: Social Sciences, Information Management, Data Science, International Relations, Public Administration, Humanitarian or Development Studies, or a related field. Qualifications: Strong attention to detail and ability to organize and navigate archival materials Solid analytical skills, with the ability to interpret and synthesize information from historical records Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with document or data management systems is an asset Ability to handle sensitive historical and personal data with discretion and respect for confidentiality Strong written communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, concise analytical briefs; good verbal communication skills Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and interdisciplinary team environment Initiative, adaptability, and willingness to learn in a research-oriented setting
Intern Specific text
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
