Internship in Communications and External Relations

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is a part of the United Nations that focuses on trade, investment, and development issues. Established in 1964, UNCTAD aims to promote the integration of developing countries into the world economy. The organization operates in over 190 countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to fostering sustainable development and economic growth. UNCTAD's mission is to support developing nations in their efforts to achieve economic stability and growth through trade and investment, while also addressing the challenges posed by globalization and technological change.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is situated within the Communications and External Relations (CER) office of the Secretary-General at UNCTAD, located in Geneva, Switzerland. This is an unpaid, full-time internship requiring interns to commit to a work schedule of five days a week, totaling 40 hours. The internship is set to commence on February 2, 2026, and will last for an initial period of three months. Interns will be tasked with creating engaging content related to sustainable development, trade, investment, finance, and the digital economy, thereby enhancing the visibility and understanding of UNCTAD's initiatives among key audiences. Interns will also perform initial edits and assist in drafting and editing various content formats for both digital and print media. Additionally, they will support the development of multimedia content and identify the latest editorial practices, including the use of Artificial Intelligence tools to improve workflow efficiency. Throughout the internship, interns will receive training and mentoring from their supervisors and colleagues, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: assisting in the creation of compelling content focused on sustainable development and trade; performing initial edits and drafting varied content for digital and print formats; supporting the development of multimedia content; and identifying and implementing the latest editorial practices to enhance workflow efficiency. Interns are expected to observe all applicable rules and regulations of the UN, provide copies of all materials prepared during the internship, respect the impartiality and independence of the UN, and refrain from communicating any non-public information to external sources. They must also avoid any conduct that could adversely reflect on the UN or its objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have prior professional work experience. However, candidates must be pursuing a field of study closely related to the internship. Applicants should be students in their final year of a bachelor's degree, master's, or Ph.D. program, or have completed one of these degrees. Proof of enrollment or completion must be provided with the application.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in or have completed a degree program that is relevant to the internship. This includes being in the final year of a bachelor's degree, master's, or Ph.D. program. Applicants must provide documentation to verify their educational status, including the title of their degree and graduation date.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required, candidates should have academic experience or coursework related to communications, public relations, international relations, or a similar field. This internship is designed for students or recent graduates looking to gain practical experience in a professional setting.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of French and Spanish is considered desirable, as it may enhance communication within the diverse environment of the UN and its stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and living expenses. Candidates must ensure they have valid health insurance coverage in Switzerland for the duration of the internship and may need to obtain a visa if they are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and there is no expectation of employment following the internship. Interns are not eligible to apply for professional positions within the UN for six months after their internship ends. Additionally, applicants who are related to UN staff members must meet specific criteria to be eligible for the internship.