Intern, Forensic Anthropology/Archaeology (Re-Advertisement)

Organization profile

Every year, millions of people around the world go missing as a result of conflict, human rights abuses, disasters, organized crime, irregular migration, and other causes. The International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) is an international organization with its Headquarters situated in The Hague, the Netherlands. ICMP’s mandate is to secure the cooperation of governments and others in locating missing persons. ICMP works globally, with field programs across the world. To learn more about ICMP click here.

Internship Setting

The Anthropology and Archaeology Division (AAD) is led by the Head of Anthropology and Archaeology Division and provides assistance in the search, recovery, documentation, examination and analysis of mortal remains and evidence. AAD experts conduct forensic examinations, DNA sampling, mortuary casework management, strategic planning, assessments and gap analyses. Furthermore, AAD supports the investigation of crime scenes and mass and other clandestine graves. The selected intern will assist the Anthropology and Archaeology Division in fulfilling these responsibilities by carrying out certain tasks in the Western Balkans. 

Main duties and responsibilities 

Under the supervision of the Forensic Coordinator, the Forensic Anthropology/Archaeology intern will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:

• The intern will be embedded in the WB AAD team that provides technical assistance to BIH authorities in the field and the mortuary. They will observe and participate in various forensic procedures that are part of the war crimes investigation and identification processes.
• The intern will gain a good understanding of the legal framework that dictates forensic work in BIH.
• The intern will learn and practice standard operating procedures in the field (excavation, exhumation, examination, sampling for DNA analysis, reassociation, identification, documentation), and practice archaeological and anthropological methods and techniques on real cases of human remains.
• At the end of the internship, the intern and supervisor are required to prepare a report on their activities. The purpose of internship report is to capture mutual expectations, key experience and met objectives by both supervisor and intern.

Requirements

Candidates for this internship must:

• Be enrolled in a Master's degree program in the areas of forensic archaeology, forensic anthropology or a related field;
• Be proficient in English, both oral and written; proficiency in another relevant language such as Bosnian is an asset; 

• Have experience working with Microsoft applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint;
  

• Be able to adapt to a multicultural and multilingual working environment, and interact positively with colleagues regardless of culture, nationality, or gender.
  

Prior experience working in a forensic archaeology/anthropology department, at the national or international level, would be considered an asset.

BEFORE APPLYING FOR THIS INTERNSHIP PLEASE CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:

Starting date and duration: As soon as possible. Internships are available for periods ranging from 3 (three) to 4 (four) months. 

Minimum age: The intern should be at least 19 (nineteen) years of age at the date of application.

Working hours: This is a full-time position (40 hours/per week; Monday to Friday). As agreed with their supervisor, the intern must provide written notice in case of illness or other unavoidable circumstances that prevent them from observing these working hours.

Work arrangement: This is a hybrid position that involves alternating between office and field work. Limited remote work is possible in consultation with the supervisor. ICMP is unable to provide the intern with office equipment for remote work arrangements.

Visa and travel: Interns are responsible for obtaining any necessary visas. If required, ICMP may request the host state to assist a selected intern in obtaining visas. Costs and arrangements for travel, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of intern.

Insurance: Interns are responsible for obtaining valid medical insurance coverage and providing proof of the same to ICMP prior to the start of the internship placement.

Conduct and confidentiality: Interns are required to sign and abide by the ICMP Code of Ethical Conduct. ICMP has the authority to terminate any internship due to unsatisfactory performance or conduct.

Renumeration: This is an unpaid internship.

Expected start date: 1 February 2026

VN end date: 17 November 2025

ICMP is committed to maintaining an environment of mutual respect, where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants. ICMP believes that diversity and inclusion among our staff are critical to our success as a global organization, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented individuals from a thoroughly diverse range of candidates. ICMP is proud to be part of the International Gender Champions network.

There should be no expectation of employment by the International Commission on Missing Persons upon completion of the internship.

Please note that this position was advertised in 2024 and has been postponed until further notice. We will resume the recruitment process and invite you to reapply.