The Institute offers prospective interns the opportunity of spending a period of time dedicated to study, research and possible involvement in the preparation of its activities. Considering the resources available in the Institute's library in Sanremo and the strategic position of its Liaison Office in Geneva, internship proves to be fruitful and constructive for graduates and post-graduates interested in the fields of international humanitarian law, human rights and refugee law.
General Information and Conditions Governing the ad hoc Internship Programme
of the International Institute of Humanitarian Law
Due to the considerable amount of applications received only suitable candidates will be acknowledged
1. The IIHL accepts interns at its headquarters in Sanremo and at its Geneva Liaison Office on an ad hoc basis depending on the number of applicants and the capacity of its staff to supervise them. All interns must be either graduate or post-graduate students specializing in international law or international relations with a good legal background and exposure to humanitarian issues.
2. Candidates who have a specific research project to conduct, related to the field of international humanitarian law, human rights law or refugee law, are encouraged to apply.
3. Selected interns will be involved in the activities of the Institute. In particular, they will be engaged in the Secretariat, Military Department and in the library, contributing to the organization of the courses and to the preparation of material and documents needed for the various activities carried out by the IIHL.
4. Interns, who want to conduct research at the Institute, have to send a detailed research programme related to the field of international humanitarian law, human rights law or refugee law. The IIHL does not have the capacity of providing constant academic assistance to researchers.
5. Although interns are not considered to be officials or staff members of the IIHL, they are expected to work full time as if they were and to carry out the duties assigned to them. They are bound by the same duties and obligations as the regular staff members. They must, in particular, keep confidential any unpublished information made known to them during the course of internship as well as any reports or papers on the basis of information thus obtained. They will benefit from several facilities offered by the IIHL including lunches and coffee breaks during the activities.
6. The duration of an internship is from a minimum of two to a maximum of six months. A period of at least two months is preferable.
7. The IIHL has no provision in its budget to pay interns; all costs connected with an internship, including travel arrangements and accommodation, must therefore be borne by the interns or by their sponsoring institutions or governments. All questions concerning visas have to be dealt with by the interns. The IIHL may provide, if needed, basic assistance.
8. The IIHL is at the disposal of applicants if they need further information or assistance in finding accommodation.
9. Interns who are selected will be requested to provide the IIHL with a statement of good health certified by their physician or other medical authority.
10. IIHL accepts no responsibility for costs as a result of accidents and/or illness incurred during an internship so the intern must be covered by his/her own health insurance.
11. Interns will provide notice in case of illness or other unavoidable circumstances which might prevent them from undertaking or completing the internship.
12. At the end of the internship, interns are expected to submit a report of their activities with the IIHL following clearance by the professional officer under whose guidance they have been working.
13. Applications, which should be sent with a detailed curriculum vitae, will be examined by a Commission chaired by the President of the Institute.
14. There is no expectancy of employment by the IIHL at the end or as a result of the internship.
15. Specific internship announcements will be posted above according to the specific needs of the IIHL.