External Relations Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a global organization dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons. Established in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, providing assistance and support to millions of people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or violence. The organization aims to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it works to promote durable solutions for refugees, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement to a third country. UNHCR is committed to upholding the principles of international protection and advocating for the rights of refugees and displaced persons worldwide. The organization employs thousands of staff members and collaborates with various partners, including governments, NGOs, and civil society organizations, to fulfill its mission.

Job Overview:
The External Relations Intern position at UNHCR is designed for individuals who are passionate about external relations and communications, particularly in the context of forced displacement. The intern will play a crucial role in supporting the organization's efforts to lead the narrative on refugee issues, generate empathy, and mobilize action among various stakeholders. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in public outreach, media relations, and social media engagement while contributing to UNHCR's operational and communication objectives. The intern will work closely with the External Relations Officer and will be involved in a variety of activities, including storytelling, event organization, and stakeholder engagement. The position is ideal for someone looking to develop their skills in external relations and make a meaningful impact in the field of humanitarian work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The External Relations Intern will be responsible for a wide range of duties under the supervision of the External Relations Officer. Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the production of high-quality storytelling content for UNHCR’s platforms, including social media channels.
• Assisting in social media community management and content scheduling to enhance engagement and visibility.
• Updating and maintaining distribution lists for media contacts, parliamentarians, and sector stakeholders.
• Organizing events in collaboration with partners to promote public visibility, such as World Refugee Day events, and liaising with various stakeholders, including refugees and local communities.
• Conducting research and fact-checking for fact sheets, speeches, publications, and webpages to ensure accuracy and relevance.
• Supporting meeting and mission scheduling and preparation, including drafting bios, briefs, and reports.
• Assisting in the development and drafting of funding proposals and reporting to donors on implemented projects.
• Contributing to the office’s program planning and reporting cycle, including managing statistics and operational data.
• Responding to external queries from the public, including managing the office phone and monitoring UNHCR's public information email inbox. 1
• Supporting the procurement and management of external relations products and publications. 1
• Undertaking other tasks as requested by the External Relations Officer.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for the External Relations Intern position, applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Completion of at least two years of undergraduate or post-graduate studies in fields such as external relations, journalism, communications, international relations, or social science.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to produce clear and compelling content.
• A good understanding of Australian politics and media landscape.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software, demonstrating a high aptitude for using these tools effectively.
• Experience with social media platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn, is essential.
• Fluency in English is mandatory, as effective communication is critical for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the External Relations Intern position includes having completed at least two years of undergraduate or post-graduate studies in relevant fields such as external relations, journalism, communications, international relations, or social science. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of external relations and the communication strategies necessary for engaging with diverse stakeholders in the context of forced displacement.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have some level of experience in external relations, media, public information, stakeholder engagement, or fundraising. While specific years of experience are not mandated, any relevant internships, volunteer work, or academic projects that demonstrate the candidate's ability to engage with external audiences and manage communications will be beneficial. Previous experience in communications, public outreach, or event management is highly desirable, as it will equip the intern with practical skills needed for the role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is a mandatory requirement for this position, as effective communication is crucial for the intern's responsibilities. While not explicitly required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if it enhances the intern's ability to engage with diverse communities and stakeholders in the context of UNHCR's work.

Additional Notes:
The internship is designed for a duration of 6 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs. Interns who do not receive financial support from an outside party will receive a monthly allowance of AUD 2,342.79 to help offset living expenses, including food and transportation. It is important to note that all applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents at the time the application closes and must possess Australian work rights to be eligible for consideration. The UNHCR values diversity and aims to create an inclusive working environment for its workforce, which consists of individuals from various nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds.