Bosanska Zajednica in Cooperation with UNV/UNDP Presents First Employment Project

03 October 2007

Earlier this year, Bosanska Zajednica joined forces with UNV/UNDP BiH in creating 20 internship placements under their �First Employment� Internship Programme. The presentation of the programme took part at the UN Development House, Monday, September 24. The programme will also be presented in Tuzla, Banja Luka and Mostar.

The Brain-drain has been an issue of concern in Bosnia and Herzegovina over the last few years. Lack of employment opportunities makes it very difficult for young people with no working experience to enter the labour market. Young people resort to leaving the country in search of better opportunities after a frustrating job search.

�Often the most educated and talented young people leave, posing a real threat to the future development of Bosnia and Herzegovina�, says the Bosanska Zajednica press-statement.

In order to slow down this phenomenon, the organization has started the �First Employment� Programme that aims to assist young people in gaining work experience through internships in BiH. These internships enable them a facilitated entry to the labour market and a jump start for their career. The internships will be funded by UNV and UNDP offices in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The internships will last for two months and take place in progressive BiH or foreign firms, institutions or organizations. Internship sites can be arranged in the towns throughout BiH. In addition to their work responsibilities, all interns are obliged to complete 20 hours of voluntary service.

According to Bosanska Zajednica, the programme is open to all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina who finished at least one year of university studies and are enrolled for the second year as well as for young graduates who are under 35 years of age.

Interested candidates can submit an application online at www.zajednica.ba or www.cobonline.org. The applications will be reviewed by independent commission charged with the selection of the candidates. All interested persons can apply for the winter placement by October 15. (For more information please contact Bosanska Zajednica at info@zajednica.ba.