Internship at the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (OHRLLS) is a part of the United Nations system. The office focuses on the unique challenges faced by the least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, and small island developing states. It aims to promote their sustainable development and integration into the global economy. The organization works to raise awareness and mobilize international support for these countries, advocating for their needs and priorities in various forums. OHRLLS collaborates with various stakeholders, including member states, UN agencies, and civil society organizations, to enhance the visibility and effectiveness of its work. The office is committed to fostering partnerships and providing technical assistance to help these countries overcome their development challenges. Established as part of the UN's efforts to address global inequalities, OHRLLS plays a crucial role in shaping policies and initiatives that benefit the most vulnerable nations. The office operates in multiple countries and engages with a wide range of international partners to fulfill its mission.

Job Overview:
The internship at OHRLLS is designed to provide practical experience and exposure to the workings of the United Nations, particularly in relation to the challenges faced by the least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, and small island developing states. Interns will work under the supervision of a staff member and will be involved in various tasks that contribute to the office's objectives. The internship is full-time, requiring 35 hours of work per week, and is expected to last for six months. Interns will have the opportunity to engage in creative communication strategies, monitor social media trends, and assist in content production for the office's digital platforms. This role is ideal for individuals looking to gain hands-on experience in international development and communications within a prestigious global organization. The internship is unpaid, and candidates should be prepared to manage their own living expenses during the internship period.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns at OHRLLS will have a diverse range of responsibilities that may include: brainstorming innovative communication strategies to enhance the office's visibility on digital platforms; researching and analyzing current trends in content creation and advising colleagues on best practices; supporting the production of engaging content for the office's websites; monitoring social media channels and collaborating with other organizational interns to share insights and improve practices; assisting in the implementation of social media campaigns to promote key issues and events; managing daily monitoring and community engagement on OHRLLS's global social media platforms; and producing social media assets, including graphics, videos, and other creative materials. The specific duties will vary based on the intern's background, assigned office, and the internship period, allowing for a tailored experience that aligns with the intern's skills and interests.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required for the UN Internship Programme, candidates should have a field of study closely related to the internship they are applying for. It is essential for applicants to indicate which qualification they meet and provide proof with their application. An official certificate will be required at a later stage of the recruitment process.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be either students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in or have completed a Master’s or Ph.D. program. This educational background is crucial as it ensures that interns possess the necessary theoretical knowledge and skills relevant to the tasks they will undertake during their internship. The focus on related fields of study is important to align the intern's academic background with the responsibilities they will be expected to fulfill at OHRLLS.

Experience:
The internship does not require prior professional work experience, making it an excellent opportunity for students or recent graduates to gain practical experience in an international organization. However, candidates should have relevant academic knowledge and skills that pertain to the internship's focus areas, such as communications, international relations, or development studies. This position is particularly suited for individuals looking to enhance their understanding of global issues and the workings of the United Nations.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory 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 asset and may enhance the candidate's application. Proficiency in multiple languages can be beneficial in a multicultural environment like the UN, where communication with diverse stakeholders is essential.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Candidates who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the organization prior to accepting the internship offer. The internship is designed to be full-time, requiring a commitment of 35 hours per week, and is expected to last for six months. The organization emphasizes that there are no fees associated with the recruitment process, ensuring that all applicants are treated fairly and equitably.