Italy Online Career Support Programme

UNHCR is mandated by the United Nations to lead and coordinate international action for the worldwide protectionof refugees and the resolution of refugee problems.UNHCR’s primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. In its efforts to achieve this objective,UNHCR strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State,and to return home voluntarily. By assisting refugees to return to their own country or to settle permanently in anothercountry, UNHCR also seeks lasting solutions to their plight.UNHCR’s efforts are mandated by the organization’s Statute, and guided by the 1951 United Nations Convention relat-ing to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol. International refugee law provides an essential framework of prin-ciples for UNHCR’s humanitarian activities.In support of its core activities on behalf of refugees, UNHCR’s Executive Committee and the UN General Assemblyhave authorized the organization’s involvement with other groups. These include former refugees who have returned totheir homeland; internally displaced people; and people who are stateless or whose nationality is disputed.UNHCR seeks to reduce situations of forced displacement by encouraging States and other institutions to create condi-tions which are conducive to the protection of human rights and the peaceful resolution of disputes. In pursuit of thesame objective, UNHCR actively seeks to consolidate the reintegration of returning refugees in their country of origin,thereby averting the recurrence of refugee-producing situations.UNHCR is an impartial organization, offering protection and assistance to refugees and others on the basis o

Due to the global financial crisis, in 2025 the Italian operation - like others worldwide - underwent a significant restructuring exercise. To support the staff impacted by organizational changes, and to complement the resources already provided by Headquarters, the Italian operation launched a career coaching programme specifically tailored to the Italian context, which received positive feedback from participants. In light of the continued uncertainty expected in 2026, it has been decided to renew the initiative, with the aim of supporting UNHCR professionals in Italy in advancing their career development and managing transitions effectively. The program shall equip participants with a comprehensive set of tools, career guidance, resources, and practical skills designed to enhance access to job opportunities – both within the Organization and across the broader UN system – as well as in external sectors, including private-sector environments. The online volunteer will be asked to support staff members working in a significantly changing environment, and to help them translate their skills into new contexts and consider new professional opportunities.

Scope of the task(s): 1. Interview simulations: Conducting interview sessions and providing personalized feedback. 2. Skills development: Identify key skills for career growth (e.g. project management, leadership, effective communication) and develop them using relevant tools and methods. 3. Career coaching: Providing career plans based on participants’ competencies and objectives. 4. Curriculum design: reviewing and providing feedback on CVs/resumes and cover letters. 5. Facilitating job search strategies, focusing on the local labor market and/or effective use of professional networks (e.g. LinkedIn). Audience size: one-on-one or small-group sessions (on one or more of the five listed topics). Expected duration of each session: min. 60 minutes. Frequency of delivery: weekly or ad hoc basis, depending on the task and the number of participants per session. Audience: UNHCR Italy personnel, regardless of contract type. Participants may vary in seniority, specialization, and professional background. Each online volunteer will be expected to provide support to at least two participants, depending on personnel expression of interest.