Working For International Organizations: Options For International Students

International students face unique challenges when seeking internships and jobs in a new country. Complex immigration laws, cultural differences, and a lack of clear information about hiring policies can make the process difficult and time-consuming. However, there are international organizations that offer internships and employment opportunities specifically for international students. These organizations include Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the United Nations, among others. To work for such organizations, international students may need to obtain relevant visas and work permits, and they may have to adhere to weekly work hour limits.

F-1 visa holders can work for international organisations

If you are an international student in the US, you will likely hold an F-1 visa. This allows you to enter the US as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, school, or seminary. F-1 visa holders are allowed to work, but there are strict guidelines.

F-1 visa holders may work for international organisations, but there are several conditions that must be met. Firstly, you must have held a valid F-1 status for at least one academic year. Secondly, the work must be in your field of study, and you must be in good academic standing. The internship must be with a recognised international organisation, as defined by the International Organization Immunities Act.

To work for an international organisation, you will need to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with USCIS. You will need to submit an offer letter from the international organisation, which should include a description of the internship, dates of employment, place of employment, and the number of hours per week. You will also need to submit Form I-765, two recent photos, your passport ID page, visa pages, and your I-94 record. There is a fee of $520 for this application.

F-1 students may work up to 20 hours a week while school is in session, or full-time during holidays and vacation periods.

Internships are a great way to gain experience

As an international student, you may be eligible to work for international organisations, and internships are a great way to gain experience in this field. Many organisations, such as the United Nations, offer internships for recent graduates. These internships can provide valuable experience and enhance your job prospects, even if they are unpaid. For example, the Junior Professional Officers (JPO) scheme is a fantastic opportunity to gain first-hand insights into international development and acquire practical experience in migration-related issues.

The College of Europe, based in Belgium and Poland, offers postgraduate European studies with teaching in English and French. A good working knowledge of both languages is an essential condition for admission, and 24% of alumni work in European institutions. Amnesty International, a vocal human rights advocacy group, also offers internships, entry-level positions, and volunteer opportunities. Human Rights Watch, another impactful human rights organisation, provides fellowship programmes, internships, and entry-level roles. Their entry-level positions typically require 1-2 years of related experience.

Additionally, the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has a Young Professionals Program and an Internship Program for individuals passionate about driving development in Africa. These programs provide a platform for those committed to positive global change.

To apply for internships with international organisations as an international student, you may need to submit various documents, including an offer letter, academic transcripts, and proof of enrolment. Some organisations may also require you to have relevant qualifications, such as a master's degree, and proficiency in specific languages. It is important to note that eligibility criteria and requirements may vary, so be sure to check with each organisation.

The UN offers a variety of roles for graduates

The United Nations (UN) offers a wide range of job roles, but most require relevant experience and professional qualifications. However, the UN also has several entry-level hiring programmes for graduates and young professionals. These include the Young Professionals Programme (YPP) and the Junior Professional Officers (JPO) scheme. The YPP is a competitive programme that offers successful candidates positions at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris or in Field Offices worldwide. The programme promotes gender equality and diversity within UNESCO, with applicants from unrepresented or underrepresented countries given preference. The JPO scheme recruits through National Competitive Recruitment Examinations and requires candidates to have a Master's degree in a development-related subject and proficiency in English, French, or Spanish.

The UNDP Graduate Programme, launched in 2021, offers talented young graduates the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international development work with a UNDP country, regional, or headquarters office. The programme aims to enhance workforce diversity, strengthen organizational capacity, and build a talent pipeline of committed professionals. Graduates with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field and a strong interest in international development are encouraged to apply, especially those with language skills and a commitment to accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals.

The United Nations Secretariat's Associate Experts Programme hires young professionals as Associate Experts (Junior Professional Officers) to work within the Secretariat and its various entities, including the Regional Commissions, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. Associate Experts are typically hired for a one-year period with the possibility of extension, and their salaries are determined by their respective countries.

In addition to these programmes, the UN offers internships for recent graduates, although these are unpaid. Overall, the UN provides a variety of career paths for graduates, with opportunities to gain experience, contribute to international development, and make a positive impact in the world.

Requirements for work permits

International students in the US on an F1 visa are permitted to work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status during and after their degree. The F-1 visa is for academic students enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate. The work can be for up to 20 hours per week when school is in session or may be full-time during periods of recess. The F-1 employment benefit allows students to work for recognized international organizations within the meaning of the International Organization Immunities Act. There is no waiting period, and the work does not have to be related to the student's course of study.

To apply for a work permit, you will need to submit the following documents:

• A copy of the offer letter from the international organization, including a description of the internship, dates of employment, place of employment, and number of hours per week
• Form I-765: Completed and signed
• Two recent photos meeting the specification requirements
• Immigration documents: Your passport ID page, visa pages, and your I-94 record
• A check or US money order for $520 made out to the US Department of Homeland Security

The application and all required documentation must be sent to the USCIS Lockbox facility. Upon receipt of the application, USCIS will send a Receipt Notice. It is important to start early, as USCIS can take up to 90 days to process an application.

It is also worth noting that there are some restrictions on the types of employment available to F-1 students. For example, during the first academic year, F-1 students may not work off-campus but may accept on-campus employment with certain conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment, including STEM OPT. Additionally, students who have engaged in 12 months or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) are not eligible for OPT.

For students interested in working for intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) such as the United Nations or European Union, it is important to note that most positions require relevant experience and professional qualifications. However, the United Nations offers internships, the Junior Professional Officers scheme, and the Young Professionals Programme, which are open to recent graduates. Similarly, the College of Europe offers postgraduate programs in European studies, with teaching in English and French, and 24% of its alumni work in European institutions.

The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) program

As an international student, you may be eligible to work for certain international organisations, depending on your visa status and the organisation's requirements. For instance, F-1 students can work for recognised international organisations under the F-1 Employment Benefit.

Now, onto the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) program, a scheme offered by the United Nations and its agencies, including UNICEF. The JPO program is designed for young professionals interested in pursuing a career in international development and provides an exceptional opportunity to gain hands-on experience within the organisation. JPOs are fixed-term staff members who receive compensation, benefits, and allowances comparable to other international professional staff.

To be eligible for the JPO program, you must hold a Master's degree in a development-related subject and be proficient in English, French, or Spanish. However, it's important to note that not all nationalities are eligible to apply. The selection process typically involves a preliminary assessment by the US State Department's International Organisations Bureau, focusing on language skills, academic background, and professional experience. Shortlisted candidates then undergo competency-based interviews with the relevant United Nations office.

The JPO program offers a unique professional development experience, and many participants continue their careers within the organisation. It is an excellent way to gain valuable experience and contribute to the important work of these international organisations.

To find out more about the latest JPO opportunities, you can visit the UN DESA website or the UNICEF vacancies page. Additionally, keep in mind that some positions may be restricted to citizens of specific donor countries, so be sure to review the eligibility requirements carefully.

Frequently asked questions