Internship in the Africa Section of the Country Teams, Coordination Operations Division, Department of Global Communications

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 climate change. The UN operates in various countries around the world, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees dedicated to its goals. The Department of Global Communications (DGC) plays a crucial role in disseminating information and promoting the work of the UN through various communication channels.

Job Overview:
This internship opportunity is designed for individuals interested in gaining practical experience in the field of international communications, specifically within the Africa Section of the Country Teams, Coordination Operations Division, Department of Global Communications (DGC). Interns will be involved in managing stakeholder relations, supporting events, and creating communications content and digital assets that align with the Africa Section’s mandate. The internship is structured to be in-person, hybrid, or remote, allowing flexibility for candidates. Interns are expected to work full-time, five days a week, totaling 35 hours under the supervision of the Chief of the Africa Section. This role provides a unique opportunity to engage with various stakeholders and contribute to the UN's mission of fostering global cooperation and understanding.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will assist in organizing and coordinating key events, which includes logistics management, preparation, and liaising with internal teams under supervision. They will aid in the creation of promotional materials such as event flyers, save-the-date notices, and social media graphics, utilizing designated design software under the guidance of senior staff. Additionally, interns will support research relevant to the section's work, particularly focusing on trade and economic development in Africa. They will also manage social media accounts by preparing draft content and schedules for review and approval by senior team members. Other responsibilities include transcribing interview recordings for senior team members' review, contributing to the maintenance of ongoing partnerships with outreach groups, including academic institutions, youth, and women's organizations, and performing other duties as assigned by the Chief of the Africa Section.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, applicants must meet one of the following requirements: be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) or be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent). Additionally, applicants must be computer literate in standard software applications, demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, and show a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. They should also possess the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, demonstrating tolerance and understanding of differing opinions and views. No prior working experience is required, as the focus is on how the applicant's training, education, and skills can benefit the UN during the internship.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be currently enrolled in or have completed a graduate or undergraduate degree programme. This includes those pursuing a second university degree or equivalent, or those who have completed their first university degree programme at a minimum bachelor’s level. The educational background should ideally be related to international relations, communications, or a relevant field that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship.

Experience:
No prior work experience is required for this internship position. However, any relevant training, education, or coursework that demonstrates the applicant's ability to contribute to the UN's mission will be beneficial. The internship is designed for individuals who are eager to learn and apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting, making it suitable for students or recent graduates.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French or Kiswahili, is desirable and will be considered an asset. This multilingual capability is important for effective communication within the diverse environment of the UN.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 35 hours per week over a duration of six months. Interns must provide their own hardware (computer), software, and internet connection to perform the internship remotely. A completed online application, including a Cover Note and Personal History Profile, is mandatory. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The Cover Note should detail the applicant's degree programme, graduation date, reasons for being the best candidate for the internship, and interest in the UN Internship Programme. Due to the high volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants who are children or siblings of UN staff members are ineligible to apply.