ThaiNGO

Protection Interns needed for Asylum Access Thailand (AAT)

Asylum Access is an innovative non-profit founded to make refugee rights a reality for refugees. Asylum Access envisions a world in which refugees live safely, move freely, attend school, work and rebuild their lives. Asylum Access believes that when refugees enjoy their human rights, they can access effective, lasting solutions.

Asylum Access builds transformative rights-based approaches to refugee response. These rights-based approaches include policy advocacy, strategic litigation, legal services, and community legal empowerment programs.

Position description

Asylum Access Thailand seeks applications from well-prepared candidates with strong writing skills and a passion for social justice who are ready to commit themselves to spending 7 weeks to 2 months as Protection Intern based in Bangkok.

Following an intensive training program in refugee protection and the related Thai Laws, the intern will be given the opportunity to assist the Protection Team in this field. The intern will assist the Protection Team with their case load to ensure that clients can assert their legal rights in accordance with Thai law, especially in relation to the Non-Thai ID card policy.

Duties may include but are not limited to:

• advising clients on matter relating to Thai civil registration, immigration, criminal law, and other legislation that may affect the urban refugee population;
• interviewing clients and collecting information to submit for civil registration with Thai government;
• undertake comprehensive case management practices, including maintaining database records and keeping detailed notes of all case work activities;
• assist other members of the Team regarding issues related to the urban refugee population;
• assisting with the general administrative duties.

Required Qualifications

• at least in third year of an undergraduate law degree, or related field;
• interest in international human rights and/or refugee rights and/or related topics.
• working knowledge of English and Thai;
• strong inter-personal skills, cultural sensitivity, and ability to work in an international environment;
• ability to commit to at least 7 weeks of full-time work;
• basic working knowledge of Gmail, Google Drive, Ms Office and related tools (Docs, Sheets, etc.)

Intern Program Highlights

Development Training – Throughout your work with us, Asylum Access will support you with a series of tools to maximize your programmatic work and your understanding of law and practice. Regular training and debriefing sessions will offer you the chance to enhance and process your experience and share insight about cross-cultural issues.

Casework – Once you join our team, you will get an opportunity to engage with our clients under the supervision of the Protection Team Leader and independently perform casework. This will give you an invaluable experience in building relationships with your clients.

Joining our Network – After working with us, you will be connected with an ever-growing network of refugee legal advocates around the world, which circulates job openings, research opportunities, refugee news, and more.

Instructions  to Apply

1. Interested candidates can send in their resume and cover letter to apply@asylumaccess.org with “Summer intern - Thailand” on the subject line;
2. Please specify the duration of your availability and the proposed start date in the application. (Example : Available to volunteer for 6 months starting July 2019).

Deadline for applications is 28th February. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis so interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible

Please note that all Asylum Access Intern positions are unpaid; we are happy to work with successful applicants to provide a letter of support their scholarship or funding requests or school credit where available.

Asylum Access takes protection & safeguarding extremely seriously. Employment is subject to our Child & Vulnerable Adult protection standards including where possible, background checks. Adherence to our Safeguarding Policy is mandatory for all staff, volunteers, and interns.

Asylum Access is an equal opportunity employer