Intern in Kiswahili Language Unit

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945, with a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries. It operates in 193 member states and employs over 44,000 staff members worldwide. The organization focuses on various global issues, including human rights, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development, and aims to foster international collaboration to address these challenges.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is situated within the Kiswahili Language Unit of the News Section II, part of the News and Content Branch in the Department of Global Communications at the United Nations. This branch serves as a multimedia service that produces audio, video, and other multimedia products in nine languages, aimed at promoting the ideals of the United Nations. Interns will gain practical experience in a UN newsroom, focusing on the production of daily news and multimedia content in Kiswahili. The role requires fluency in Kiswahili, as interns will draft news articles, proofread content, assist in fact-checking, and contribute to the creation of various multimedia products. Interns will also have the opportunity to work on feature stories, conduct interviews, and engage in outreach activities, all under the guidance of the Chief of the Kiswahili Unit.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for drafting Kiswahili news articles by integrating and translating information from diverse sources, including reports, press releases, and official statements. They will proofread articles before and after publication, assist with fact-checking and background research, and help produce graphic, visual, and audio content. Additionally, interns will review the partnerships database in collaboration with the UN Partnerships Unit, seeking new digital media partners and trustworthy entities for fact-checking and media literacy. Other duties may include conducting outreach and performing additional tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must be either enrolled in or have completed a graduate program in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, English, Kiswahili, or translation studies (second university degree or equivalent), or be in the final year of a first university degree program in the same fields (minimum Bachelor's level). Candidates should be proficient in standard word processing and spreadsheet software, such as Microsoft Word and Excel, and demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, along with a commitment to its ideals. Furthermore, applicants must exhibit the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes either a completed graduate degree or enrollment in a graduate program related to communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, English, Kiswahili, or translation studies. Alternatively, candidates may qualify by being in their final academic year of a Bachelor's degree in these fields. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of the UN's work and effectively contributing to the Kiswahili Language Unit.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandated, candidates should possess a demonstrated interest in the United Nations and its operations. Experience in writing, journalism, or media production, particularly in a multilingual context, would be advantageous. Interns are expected to engage actively in the newsroom environment, thus any relevant experience in similar roles would enhance their application.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Kiswahili is required for this internship, as the work will primarily involve producing content in Kiswahili. Knowledge of another UN official language is considered desirable, which may include French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian, as it would further enhance the intern's ability to engage with diverse content and audiences.

Additional Notes:
The internship is structured for a minimum duration of 2 months on a full-time basis or 4 months part-time, with the possibility of extending up to 6 months based on the office's needs and the intern's availability. It is important to note that interns are not financially compensated by the United Nations, and all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Additionally, interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the host country may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to commencing the internship. The United Nations emphasizes that there are no fees associated with the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.