IOM Internship 2026: Project Management Intern Job in Mauritania – Apply Before 17 November
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is inviting applications for the position of Intern – Project Management in Bassikounou, Mauritania. This six-month internship offers an opportunity for postgraduate students and recent graduates interested in migration, climate change, disaster preparedness, humanitarian assistance and community resilience.
The successful candidate will support the implementation of a European Union-funded project focused on strengthening local capacities for disaster preparedness and climate-related risks in Hodh El Chargui, Mauritania.
Working under the supervision of the Project Manager and Project Assistant, the intern will contribute to project coordination, administrative management, data collection, reporting, communications and field activities.
This opportunity is particularly relevant to candidates with academic backgrounds in social sciences, migration studies, sociology, geography and related disciplines.
Application deadline: 17 November 2026.
Job Overview
| Job Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | International Organization for Migration (IOM) |
| Position | Intern – Project Management |
| Job Identification | 23198 |
| Location | Bassikounou, Mauritania |
| Job Category | Internship |
| Contract Type | Internship |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Grade | UG |
| Application Deadline | 17 November 2026 |
| Funding Partner | European Union (ECHO) |
About the International Organization for Migration (IOM)
The International Organization for Migration is an intergovernmental organisation established in 1951 and recognised as the leading international organisation working on migration.
With 173 Member States and offices in more than 100 countries, IOM works closely with governments, intergovernmental organisations and non-governmental partners to promote safe, orderly and dignified migration.
The organisation supports international cooperation on migration issues, develops practical solutions to migration challenges and provides humanitarian assistance to migrants, refugees and internally displaced persons.
IOM became a related organisation of the United Nations in September 2016.
In Mauritania, IOM has been present since 2006, implementing programmes addressing migration, humanitarian needs and community development.
About the Project Management Internship
The Project Management Intern will support the implementation of a project titled Strengthening Local Capacities for Disaster Preparedness and Climate-Related Risks in Hodh El Chargui.
The project is funded by the European Union through the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and implemented by IOM.
The initiative focuses on strengthening local preparedness and response capacities for disasters, particularly those associated with climate-related risks.
The intern will work under the general supervision of the IOM Chief of Mission in Mauritania and the direct supervision of the Project Manager, with technical guidance from the Project Assistant.
The position provides practical exposure to humanitarian project management, disaster risk preparedness, climate resilience and international development operations.
Key Responsibilities
The selected intern will assist the project team with administrative, operational and technical activities.
Main responsibilities include:
- Assisting with the organisation and preparation of project activities, including planning and administrative management.
- Supporting the monitoring of disaster preparedness and response activities, particularly those related to climate risks.
- Collecting, compiling and archiving project data.
- Supporting coordination and communication with project partners.
- Drafting, reviewing, proofreading and formatting administrative documents.
- Assisting in preparing articles and communication materials for social media, newsletters and publications.
- Participating in field missions and project activities.
- Undertaking other duties assigned by the project team.
The internship will provide an opportunity to understand how international humanitarian projects are planned, coordinated, monitored and implemented at the local level.
Learning Opportunities
The internship is designed to provide practical professional experience in an international humanitarian organisation.
The successful candidate will have opportunities to:
- Gain practical experience in an international and multicultural working environment.
- Understand disaster preparedness and crisis management approaches.
- Contribute to the implementation of humanitarian and development activities.
- Develop project coordination and administrative management skills.
- Strengthen research, data collection and reporting capabilities.
- Participate in field activities and engage with project partners.
- Develop professional networks and learn from experienced humanitarian practitioners.
Interns will also be encouraged to demonstrate creativity, innovation, initiative and professional responsibility.
Qualifications and Experience
IOM is seeking candidates with relevant postgraduate academic qualifications and an interest in migration, climate change and humanitarian project management.
Education
Applicants must have a Master’s degree from an accredited academic institution in one of the following areas:
- Social Sciences.
- Migration Studies.
- Sociology.
- Geography.
- Another related discipline.
Experience and Technical Skills
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Operational experience in migration, climate change, disaster preparedness or community resilience.
- Basic knowledge of project management.
- Understanding of internal and international migration issues.
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Excellent French writing skills.
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment.
- Willingness and ability to participate in frequent field missions.
Language Requirements
Excellent written, spoken and reading proficiency in French is required.
Good knowledge of English is also required.
Knowledge of local languages is considered an advantage.
Internship Stipend and Benefits
Depending on the candidate’s experience and location, IOM interns may receive a small monthly stipend to help offset internship-related expenses.
However, candidates who already receive financial remuneration or academic credits through an internship allowance or scholarship from their university or another sponsoring institution will not qualify for the IOM stipend.
IOM also provides occupational accident and illness coverage under its Compensation Plan for the duration of the internship.
Interns must arrange their own medical insurance for non-occupational accidents and illnesses and provide written proof of coverage before starting work.
The internship offer is subject to confirmation of project funding.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official IOM e-Recruitment system.
Applicants should ensure that their application is complete and submitted before the closing deadline. Late applications will not be accepted.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Important Information for Applicants
IOM operates a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
The organisation does not charge application fees, interview fees, processing fees or training fees at any stage of recruitment. Applicants should also never provide bank account information in response to recruitment requests.
Final Thoughts
The IOM Project Management Internship in Mauritania offers an opportunity to gain practical experience in humanitarian project implementation, climate resilience, disaster preparedness and migration-related programming.
Candidates with postgraduate qualifications in social sciences, migration, sociology or geography, together with strong French language skills, may find this opportunity particularly valuable.
Those interested in building careers in international development, humanitarian affairs and project management are encouraged to apply before 17 November 2026.
