Communications Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is a prominent agency established by the UN General Assembly to promote sustainable urban development. The organization focuses on creating socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, acting as the focal point for urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat collaborates with various partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable communities, aiming to reduce inequality, discrimination, and poverty. The Montreal Office plays a crucial role in linking research, policy, and action to advance sustainable urban development globally, activating a network of key partners to enhance urban sustainability solutions. The office is dedicated to implementing the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan, with a particular emphasis on housing, land use, and basic service provision, while also addressing climate and biodiversity action to promote urban resilience and equity.

Job Overview:
The intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Communications Intern will support the UN-Habitat Montreal Office in its mission to raise visibility and engage diverse audiences regarding urban sustainability, climate action, and community empowerment. The intern will work under the general supervision of the Senior Programme Management Officer and report to the Programme Management Officer. The role involves a variety of tasks aimed at enhancing the office's communication efforts, including planning and implementing outreach activities, drafting and editing content for various platforms, and creating multimedia content to support program messaging. The intern will also assist in managing social media content, conducting research on urban sustainability topics, and providing support for events and meetings. This position is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in gaining hands-on experience in communications within an international organization, particularly in the context of sustainable urban development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include supporting the planning, coordination, and implementation of communication and outreach activities, such as public events, campaigns, and global observances. The intern will draft and edit content for digital and print platforms, including website stories, press releases, newsletters, reports, and flyers. Additionally, the intern will create multimedia content, such as social media graphics, videos, and infographics, to enhance program messaging. The role also involves monitoring and reporting on communications metrics, assisting with social media management, conducting background research on urban sustainability topics, and supporting documentation and knowledge management efforts. The intern will assist in event planning and communication coverage for key events, webinars, and conferences, drafting talking points and media kits as needed. Other duties may include summarizing key meetings and supporting internal team tasks related to communications and outreach.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria at the time of application: be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent), or have graduated with a Bachelor's degree, Master's, PhD, or equivalent. Candidates should be computer literate in standard software applications, particularly the Microsoft Office Suite. A keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter are essential. Additionally, applicants should demonstrate the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, showing a willingness to understand and tolerate differing opinions and views.

Educational Background:
The preferred educational background for this internship includes pursuing or holding a degree in Communications, Public Relations, Administration, Marketing, or related fields. A Master's degree or being a PhD candidate is preferable. Applicants must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master's, or Ph.D. program, or have completed one of these programs. It is important that the field of study is closely related to the type of internship being applied for.

Experience:
While applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience, relevant academic or professional experience in communications, particularly in sustainable urban development, is desirable. This may include experience gained through academic projects or research conducted during studies. Candidates should provide specific examples of their experience in communicating on issues related to urban sustainability, housing, mobility, urban design, or urban governance.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this internship position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN language is considered desirable, which may enhance the candidate's profile for the internship.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and all costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Canada may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training.