Communications Intern - Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a vital part of the United Nations system, established to combat drugs and crime on a global scale. The organization was founded in 1997 and has since grown to encompass a diverse workforce dedicated to promoting justice and the rule of law. UNODC operates in over 150 countries, providing technical assistance and support to member states in their efforts to combat drug trafficking, organized crime, and corruption. The mission of UNODC is to assist countries in their efforts to create a safer world by addressing the challenges posed by drugs and crime, and to promote international cooperation in these areas. UNODC is committed to upholding human rights and ensuring that the rights of victims and vulnerable populations are respected in all its initiatives.

Job Overview:
The intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Communications Intern will play a crucial role in supporting the daily communications work of the Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section (HTMSS) within the Organized Crime and Illicit Trafficking Branch (OCB) of the Division for Treaty Affairs (DTA) at UNODC. This internship is designed to provide practical experience in the field of communications, particularly in relation to human trafficking and migrant smuggling issues. The intern will be involved in various tasks that contribute to the Section's communication campaigns, including tracking and analyzing information on relevant topics, drafting web stories and social media posts, and assisting in the development of newsletters and graphics. The position requires a proactive approach to learning and contributing to the Section's objectives, with a focus on enhancing public awareness and understanding of the challenges related to trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants. The internship is expected to last for six months, with a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week, and is an unpaid position.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of duties that support the communications efforts of the HTMSS. These duties include:

• Tracking, researching, and analyzing information on assigned topics related to human trafficking and migrant smuggling, gathering data from diverse sources to assess news value and potential impact.
• Drafting engaging web stories and social media posts that effectively communicate the Section's messages and initiatives.
• Creating and updating a monthly newsletter to inform stakeholders and the public about ongoing activities and developments in the field.
• Assisting with the implementation of communication campaigns aimed at raising awareness about trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling.
• Maintaining and updating the Section's website to ensure that information is current and accessible.
• Developing graphics for social media and the website to enhance visual communication.
• Creating monthly social media reports to evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the supervising professional staff, contributing to the overall success of the Section's communication efforts.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet specific criteria, including:

• Enrollment in or recent completion of a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent) or enrollment in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent).
• A degree in journalism, communications, digital communications, media studies, filmmaking, graphic design, or a related field is preferred.
• Proficiency in standard software applications, demonstrating computer literacy.
• A strong interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter.
• The ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, showing tolerance and understanding of differing opinions.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess a relevant educational background that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. This includes being enrolled in or having recently completed a degree program in fields such as journalism, communications, digital communications, media studies, filmmaking, graphic design, or a related area. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required, with preference given to those pursuing or holding advanced degrees.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandatory, candidates should demonstrate a keen interest in communications and the work of the United Nations. Any relevant internships, volunteer work, or academic projects that showcase skills in research, writing, and digital communication will be advantageous. The ideal candidate will have a proactive attitude and a willingness to learn and contribute to the Section's objectives.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, 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 who are not citizens or permanent residents of Austria may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. The application process requires a completed online application, including a Motivation Statement, Candidate Profile, and proof of enrollment or graduation. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and candidates should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.