Public Information Intern - News and Social Media

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Information Service (UNIS) Vienna is part of the global network of United Nations Information Centres, which operate under the Department of Global Communications (DGC) of the United Nations Secretariat. Established to serve as the local voice of the UN in Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, and Slovenia, UNIS Vienna aims to promote an informed understanding of the work and goals of the United Nations in these countries. The organization engages with various stakeholders, including media, government, academia, schools, and civil society organizations, to disseminate information about the UN's initiatives and objectives.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is located in the News and Media Unit of the United Nations Information Service in Vienna, Austria. This is an unpaid internship that requires interns to work full-time, five days a week, totaling 40 hours. The internship is expected to start on March 2, 2026, and will last for a duration of six months. Interns will play a crucial role in supporting the team by performing various tasks that contribute to the UN's communication efforts. The position is designed for individuals who are passionate about the work of the United Nations and are eager to gain hands-on experience in public information and media relations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a range of duties, including but not limited to: monitoring German-language Austrian media coverage on various national and UN topics; translating and summarizing articles for a daily press review; attending press conferences held by the Austrian Government and summarizing key points; drafting content for social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, including creating visuals using CANVA; drafting and editing a variety of media texts, including press releases and online articles in both German and English; assisting with research on specific topics; supporting the full production cycle of videos, photos, and audio to promote specific UN topics and the organization's work; assisting in the preparation, implementation, and follow-up of press briefings, outreach events, and high-level visits and conferences; and performing other related tasks as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have recently completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or (b) be enrolled in or have recently completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent). Official written proof from the university supporting one of these possibilities must be attached to the application. Additionally, applicants should be computer literate in standard software applications, demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, and possess a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. They should also have 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:
Applicants must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor's or equivalent), or enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. program, or have completed a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. program. It is essential that the field of study is closely related to the internship type being applied for. While professional work experience is not required, the ability to draft news articles and/or social media posts is desirable, along with experience in writing for social media platforms and creating visual content using CANVA.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not a prerequisite for this internship, applicants should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. This could include experience in communications, journalism, media studies, or related fields that would provide a foundation for the tasks expected in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English is required for this internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Additionally, fluency in oral and written German is also required. Knowledge of a language from one of the UNIS client countries, such as Hungarian, Slovak, or Slovene, is considered an additional asset that would enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Austria may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training.