Intern, English Language Unit

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 human rights, development, and humanitarian assistance. The UN operates in various countries around the world, employing thousands of staff members and engaging with numerous partners to fulfill its objectives. The English Language Unit is part of the News and Media Division, which plays a crucial role in disseminating information and promoting the ideals of the UN through multimedia content.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is situated within the English Language Unit of the News Section I, which is part of the News and Content Branch of the Department of Global Communications at the United Nations. This role is designed for individuals seeking to gain practical experience in a dynamic newsroom environment, particularly in the production of daily news articles, in-depth features, and various multimedia products in English. Interns will have the opportunity to engage in diverse tasks that contribute to the UN's mission of promoting peace and human rights through effective communication. The position offers a unique chance to work closely with experienced professionals in the field of journalism and communications, while also allowing interns to develop their skills in writing, research, and multimedia production.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including drafting English news articles by synthesizing and translating information from multiple sources such as reports, press releases, and official statements. They will proofread articles before and after publication to ensure accuracy and clarity. Additionally, interns will assist with fact-checking and conducting background research to support news production. They will also contribute to the creation of graphic, visual, and audio content, and will be encouraged to work on feature stories, conducting interviews and research as needed. Another key responsibility includes reviewing the partnerships database in collaboration with the UN Partnerships Unit to identify potential digital media partners and organizations focused on fact-checking and media literacy. Interns may also be assigned other duties as required, including outreach activities.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet specific criteria: they should be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, English, or translation studies (second university degree or equivalent, or higher). Alternatively, they may be in their final academic year of a first university degree program in the same fields (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent). Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in standard word processing and spreadsheet software, such as Microsoft Word and Excel, and show a strong interest in the work of the United Nations, along with a commitment to its ideals. Furthermore, applicants should possess the ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and demonstrate openness to differing opinions.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a relevant educational background, which includes being enrolled in or having completed a graduate program or being in the final year of a bachelor's degree in fields related to communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, English, or translation studies. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of the UN's work and effectively contributing to the organization's communication efforts.

Experience:
No prior work experience is required for this internship position. However, candidates should possess relevant training, education, or skills that would benefit the United Nations during their internship. This could include coursework, volunteer work, or other experiences that demonstrate a commitment to the UN's mission and the ability to contribute to its objectives.

Languages:
Fluency in both written and spoken English is essential for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates are expected to write to a high level of proficiency and meet demanding deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Knowledge of another UN official language, such as French, is desirable but not mandatory.

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 the country where the internship takes place may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. Additionally, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.