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, and it plays a crucial role in shaping global economic policies.

Job Overview:
The internship positions are located within the Communications and External Relations (CER) team at UNCTAD in Geneva, Switzerland. The CER team is tasked with producing a variety of communication materials that promote UNCTAD's work, including news articles, videos, infographics, brochures, and social media content. Interns will be expected to work full-time, five days a week, contributing to the creation and dissemination of impactful content that raises awareness about UNCTAD's initiatives. The internship is unpaid and requires interns to cover their own travel, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns will work under the supervision of a senior colleague and will assist with multimedia and communication-related tasks, playing a vital role in UNCTAD's mission to communicate effectively with the public.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a range of responsibilities, including assisting with the creation, editing, and production of multimedia content such as videos, podcasts, infographics, and social media posts for UNCTAD's platforms. They will support live coverage of events and conferences through photography, videography, and audio recording. Interns will also assist in editing and post-production of multimedia content using tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, After Effects, and Canva. They will contribute to social media by creating engaging content and supporting digital campaigns, collaborate with colleagues to ensure accurate and timely multimedia outputs, and assist with archiving multimedia assets and maintaining a multimedia library. Participation in team meetings and brainstorming sessions for content ideas will also be part of their duties. Additionally, 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 of the UN, and refrain from any conduct that would adversely reflect on the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in media, communications, graphic design, multimedia arts, journalism, marketing, public relations, international studies, photography, or a closely related field. Desirable skills include proficiency in multimedia tools and design software, particularly Adobe Creative Suite, and a strong interest in multimedia production, including video, audio, and social media content creation. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, in English are required, and knowledge of French or other UN languages is considered an asset. Familiarity with social media platforms and trends is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
Applicants must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in a Master’s or Ph.D. program, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. program. While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Candidates must be able to provide proof of their educational status, such as an official certificate, at a later stage.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in the field of communications and multimedia production. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in a professional setting, particularly within an international organization like the UN.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of French or Spanish is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's application, as it aligns with the UN's multilingual environment and communication needs.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. The internship is expected to last from June 1, 2025, to November 30, 2026, and is full-time, requiring a commitment of 40 hours per week. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and candidates should be aware that the UN does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.