Intern, Public Information, Communications and Outreach, Visitors Services

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 significant presence in New York City, where its headquarters is located. The organization employs thousands of staff members and engages with numerous interns and volunteers to support its diverse initiatives and programs.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed for individuals interested in gaining practical experience in public information and outreach within the United Nations framework. Interns will work in the Public Inquiries Unit (PIU) and the Group Programmes Unit (GPU) of the Visitors Services Section, which is part of the Outreach Division of the Department of Global Communications. The primary goal of this internship is to educate the public about the UN's work and to encourage support for its ideals and activities. Interns will engage directly with the public, assisting in the organization of guided tours, briefings, and outreach activities. The internship is full-time and in-person, with a duration of 4 to 6 months, and offers a unique opportunity to learn about the UN's operations and contribute to its mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the Visitors Services Section. These include assisting with the planning and organization of outreach activities aimed at educating the public about the UN's work, providing support for guided tours and briefings, conducting research on UN thematic issues, and offering general office support such as drafting correspondence, maintaining files and databases, and organizing meetings. Additionally, interns may assist in drafting articles and text for informational materials, responding to visitor queries, and helping with the development and analysis of surveys regarding visitors' experiences. The specific duties will depend on the intern's background and the needs of the assigned Unit.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent), or be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher). While professional work experience is not required, a field of study related to the internship is necessary. Proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word and MS PowerPoint, is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a minimum of a bachelor's degree or be in the final year of their undergraduate studies. Alternatively, candidates may have completed a graduate program. The educational background should ideally be related to communications, public relations, international relations, or a similar field that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that relates to public information, communications, or outreach. This internship is particularly suited for students or recent graduates looking to gain practical experience in a global organization.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of another official language of the United Nations, such as French, is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns must ensure they have the necessary visa and work authorization to undertake the internship in the United States. The internship is expected to last between 4 to 6 months, with a preference for a 6-month commitment. Interns will work full-time, which is defined as five days a week (35 hours), although part-time arrangements may be considered based on individual circumstances. The United Nations emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its recruitment process and does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.