Public Information Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations, addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and human rights. The UN operates in various countries around the world, with a significant presence in Lebanon, where it engages in humanitarian efforts, development programs, and peacekeeping missions. The organization employs thousands of individuals globally, including staff and interns, to fulfill its mission and objectives.

Job Overview:
The Public intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Information Intern position at the United Nations in Beirut is designed for individuals seeking to gain practical experience in public relations and communications within an international organization. The intern will work under the direct supervision of the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) and/or Public Information Officer (PIO), contributing to various media and communication tasks. The internship is expected to last between 2 to 6 months, providing an opportunity for the intern to engage with UN communications strategies and learn about the operations of the UN in Lebanon. The intern's daily responsibilities will vary based on their background, the assigned office, and the internship period, allowing for a tailored experience that aligns with their skills and interests.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: drafting media advisories, press releases, and news stories in both English and Arabic; contributing to the content creation for the UNIC-Beirut's website and social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube; providing media support for events and campaigns organized by UNIC-Beirut; assisting in the organization of press conferences, meetings, and other public relations events; taking photos and videos for media coverage and archiving; and supporting other ad-hoc activities as instructed by the supervising staff. This role is integral to enhancing the visibility of UN activities and ensuring effective communication with the public.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is essential. Applicants must demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. Additionally, proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, is necessary. The ability to draft news articles and social media posts is desirable, as is the capability to design surveys and polls.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be students in their final year of a first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in or have completed a Master’s or Ph.D. program. Proof of enrollment or completion of the relevant academic program must be provided with the application. This educational background ensures that the intern possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and skills relevant to the tasks they will undertake during the internship.

Experience:
While no prior professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. This could include experience in communications, public relations, journalism, or related fields. The internship is designed to provide practical experience, making it suitable for individuals who are eager to learn and apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic is mandatory for this internship, as these are the primary languages used in the UN's operations in Lebanon. Knowledge of French is considered desirable, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. This multilingual requirement reflects the UN's commitment to inclusivity and effective communication across diverse cultural backgrounds.

Additional Notes:
Interns at the United Nations are not financially compensated for their work. All costs related to 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 Lebanon may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. It is crucial for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.