Graphic Design Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries, addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN operates in various fields including human rights, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees worldwide. The organization is headquartered in New York City and has offices in Geneva, Vienna, Nairobi, and other locations across the globe.

Job Overview:
The Graphic Design Intern position at the United Nations offers a unique opportunity for individuals interested in gaining practical experience in graphic design within a prestigious international organization. The intern will work in the Global Strategy and Policy Division (GSPD) of the Office of Human Resources (OHR), contributing to the UN's internal and external communication efforts. The role emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, aligning with the UN's commitment to these values. Interns will engage in various stages of employer marketing content development, from ideation to production, while collaborating with a diverse team in a multicultural environment. This internship is designed to be full-time, requiring a commitment of 35 hours per week, and can last between three to six months, providing interns with a comprehensive understanding of the graphic design process in a global context.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As a Graphic Design Intern, you will be responsible for a wide range of tasks that contribute to the UN's communication efforts. Your duties will include assisting with the design and production of visual content such as publications, websites, blogs, email campaigns, social media assets, brochures, presentations, advertisements, event materials, posters, banners, flyers, infographics, and other communication products that enhance the UN's brand. You will participate in the full design workflow process, which involves developing concepts, storyboards, and drafts; incorporating feedback from team leads and senior stakeholders; updating content; finalizing layouts for production; and contributing to project evaluations. Additionally, you will support the development and layout of PowerPoint presentations, newsletters, reports, and other communication products. Researching and preparing content for printed and digital materials will also be part of your responsibilities, along with maintaining and updating internal and external websites and social media channels. You will assist with event coordination, outreach activities, and the preparation of supplementary communications materials. Furthermore, you will explore opportunities to assist with video editing and sound design for digital media projects, promote accessibility in graphic design, and stay current with trends and best practices in graphic design, communications, marketing, and accessibility.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), or 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, a field of study closely related to graphic design or communications is essential. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in graphic design tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Canva, and Figma. The ability to create visual content for social media, websites, publications, or presentations is also desirable, along with skills in desktop publishing and event coordination.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be 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. Proof of enrollment or completion of the relevant academic program must be provided with the application. An official certificate may be required at a later stage to confirm eligibility for the internship.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should possess relevant academic knowledge and skills in graphic design and communications. Experience in creating visual content and familiarity with design tools will be advantageous for applicants.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as English 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 advantage and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and candidates are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. For in-person internships in the United States, non-citizens or permanent residents must obtain a G-4 visa for full-time internships. Interns may also have the option to work remotely or part-time depending on their circumstances. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.