Public Information Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Regional Information Centre (UNRIC) in Brussels is part of the global network of United Nations Information Centres (UNICs). Established to promote public understanding and support for the aims and activities of the United Nations, UNRIC engages with various partners including civil society, media, public institutions, academia, and the private sector. The Centre covers 22 countries and operates in 13 languages, with a mission to communicate the values, history, and mandate of the United Nations, contributing to a more peaceful, fair, and sustainable world. UNRIC provides communications support to UN agencies in Brussels and collaborates with European Union institutions.

Job Overview:
The Public intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Information Intern position is designed for individuals who are eager to gain practical experience in the field of public information and communications within the United Nations framework. The intern will work under the direct supervision of a Desk Officer at UNRIC, contributing to various communication efforts aimed at enhancing public understanding of the UN's mission and activities. The internship is structured to last for an initial period of four months, with the possibility of extension up to six months, depending on departmental needs and the intern's availability. This is an unpaid, full-time internship requiring a commitment of five days a week, totaling 35 hours. The work can be conducted in-person, remotely, or in a hybrid format, allowing for flexibility in how the intern engages with the responsibilities assigned.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be involved in a variety of tasks that support the mission of UNRIC. Key responsibilities include assisting in the writing and translation of articles for the UNRIC website, updating and managing social media accounts by drafting and editing content, and conducting media monitoring to liaise with relevant media outlets. The intern will also engage in daily communication with civil society, academia, and NGOs in the relevant countries, and assist in organizing events that highlight the work of the UN. Additional duties may be assigned as needed, providing a comprehensive experience in public information and communications.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet specific educational criteria to be eligible for the internship. They should either be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) or be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Candidates must provide proof of their educational status and may need to submit an official certificate later in the application process.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being a student in the final year of a first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or having completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. program. This ensures that the intern has a solid academic foundation relevant to the tasks they will undertake during their time at UNRIC.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have a background in a field of study that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. This could include areas such as communications, international relations, public policy, or other related disciplines that would provide the necessary skills and knowledge for effective performance in the role.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat. Additionally, fluency in one or more of the following languages is required: Danish, Dutch, French, Finnish, Greek, Italian, Norwegian (Bokmål or Nynorsk), or Portuguese. This multilingual requirement reflects the diverse nature of the UN's operations and the need for effective communication across different linguistic contexts.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, meaning that interns will not receive financial remuneration from the United Nations. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of Belgium may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, it is emphasized that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and equitable selection process.