Public Information Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (O-SRSG-SVC), which is part of the United Nations Secretariat. This office was established to address the critical issue of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) as a significant concern for peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The SRSG-SVC was mandated by the United Nations Security Council resolution 1888 in 2009, which aimed to tackle various forms of sexual violence that occur in conflict situations. The office serves as a political advocate and spokesperson for the United Nations on issues related to CRSV, including various forms of sexual violence such as rape, sexual slavery, and trafficking. The organization operates globally, addressing human rights violations in armed conflicts and advocating for the protection of vulnerable populations. The office is committed to raising awareness and promoting action against sexual violence in conflict zones, working collaboratively with various stakeholders to implement effective strategies and policies.

Job Overview:
The Public intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Information Intern will play a crucial role in supporting the development and implementation of the communications strategy for the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. This internship is designed for individuals who are passionate about human rights and the work of the United Nations. Interns will be expected to engage in a variety of tasks that contribute to the office's mission of combating sexual violence in conflict. The internship is full-time, requiring interns to work five days a week for a total of 35 hours. The duration of the internship is initially set for three months, with the possibility of an extension for an additional three months based on the office's needs. Interns will work under the direct supervision of the Public Information Officer and will collaborate with the Programme Team. The position is unpaid, and applicants are encouraged to apply promptly as the hiring process may commence before the vacancy posting period concludes. Interns will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in public information and communications within a high-profile international organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Public Information Intern include a variety of tasks that support the office's communications efforts. Interns will assist in researching, cataloguing, and uploading documents to the digital library of the OSRSG-SVC website, ensuring that information is accessible and well-organized. They will also be responsible for creating content and updating webpages to reflect the latest developments and initiatives of the office. In terms of social media, interns will draft and publish messages on platforms such as X, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, ensuring appropriate tagging and engagement with the audience. Media monitoring is another critical responsibility, where interns will perform bi-weekly checks to assess the security, political, and humanitarian situations in countries of concern regarding Conflict-Related Sexual Violence. Additionally, interns will provide support in creating visual communications, including photos, short videos, and infographics, to enhance the office's outreach efforts. They will assist in planning outreach activities for significant events, such as the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict and the Open Debate on CRSV. Interns are also expected to attend relevant meetings, prepare meeting notes, and perform any other tasks as required by their supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet specific criteria set by the United Nations Internship Programme. Candidates must either be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent) or be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent). Additionally, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications and possess a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, along with a personal commitment to the ideals outlined in the UN Charter. The ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs is essential, as is a willingness to understand and tolerate differing opinions and views. While no prior working experience is required, candidates with relevant academic or practical experience in communications, public information, or journalism will have an advantage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes either enrollment in or completion of a graduate program or the final year of a bachelor's degree program. This educational foundation should ideally be in a field related to communications, international relations, human rights, or a similar discipline that aligns with the work of the United Nations. The internship is designed to provide practical experience that complements academic learning, allowing interns to apply their knowledge in a real-world context within a prestigious international organization.

Experience:
No prior working experience is necessary to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. However, candidates are encouraged to leverage their training, education, and any advanced coursework or skills that could benefit the United Nations during their internship. While previous experience is not a requirement, having relevant academic or practical experience, particularly in communications, public information, or journalism, will be considered an advantage during the selection process.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language, such as French, is desirable and may enhance a candidate's application. The ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken English is essential for fulfilling the responsibilities of the internship, particularly in drafting content for social media and other communications.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. For individuals who are not United States citizens or permanent residents, obtaining a G4 visa is mandatory to undertake the internship in the United States. Selected candidates must ensure they have a valid visa and approved employment authorization (CPT/OPT/AT) before starting the internship. It is important for candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the organization prior to accepting the internship offer. Additionally, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training, and does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.