Communication Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the Victims' Rights Advocate (OVRA) is part of the United Nations system, established to ensure that the rights and dignity of victims of sexual exploitation and abuse are prioritized in the UN's response to such allegations. The OVRA was created following the 2017 report of the Secretary-General to the General Assembly, which outlined a comprehensive strategy to address these serious issues. The organization operates globally, focusing on the protection of victims and the promotion of their rights within the framework of the United Nations' broader mission. The OVRA is committed to fostering a culture of accountability and support for victims, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met. The organization employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to human rights advocacy and victim support, working collaboratively across various UN agencies and with external partners to enhance the effectiveness of its mandate.

Job Overview:
The Communication Intern position at the Office of the Victims' Rights Advocate is designed for individuals who are passionate about human rights and communication strategies. The intern will play a crucial role in supporting the OVRA's mission by conducting research and analysis related to the mandate of the VRA. This position is full-time and in-person, providing an immersive experience in the workings of the United Nations. The intern will assist in implementing both internal and external communication strategies, which are vital for raising awareness about the rights of victims and the work being done to support them. The role involves producing multimedia and digital content, which is essential for engaging various stakeholders and the public. The intern will also be responsible for designing and updating presentations and other communication materials, ensuring that the information shared is clear, impactful, and aligned with the OVRA's objectives. Additionally, the intern will monitor social media engagement, which is increasingly important in today's digital landscape, and will attend meetings and conferences to document proceedings, contributing to the overall communication efforts of the office.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communication Intern will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including: conducting thorough research and analysis on issues pertinent to the mandate of the Victims' Rights Advocate; supporting the development and implementation of communication strategies that effectively convey the OVRA's mission and activities; assisting in the production of multimedia content, which may include videos, graphics, and written materials; designing, drafting, and updating presentations and other communication materials to ensure they are engaging and informative; participating in communication and public information activities, including outreach efforts to various stakeholders; monitoring and tracking social media engagement to assess the effectiveness of communication strategies; attending meetings and conferences, taking detailed notes to capture key discussions and decisions; and performing any other related duties as assigned by the supervising Human Rights Officer.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet specific criteria. They should either 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 university degree program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent). Additionally, candidates must be computer literate in standard software applications, which is essential for performing the duties of the internship effectively. The organization is particularly interested in applicants pursuing relevant studies in areas such as communication, journalism, web design, data visualization, and marketing. Experience with graphic and web design applications is also beneficial. Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals outlined in the UN Charter. Furthermore, the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs is crucial, as the intern will be working in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes either enrollment in or completion of a graduate program or the final year of a bachelor's degree program. Relevant fields of study include communication, journalism, web design, data visualization, and marketing. The emphasis is on candidates who have a strong academic foundation that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship, particularly in communication and media-related disciplines. This educational background will equip the intern with the necessary skills to contribute effectively to the OVRA's communication efforts.

Experience:
No prior working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. However, candidates should possess relevant training, education, or skills that would benefit the United Nations during the internship. This means that while formal work experience is not a prerequisite, applicants should be able to demonstrate how their academic and extracurricular activities have prepared them for the responsibilities they will undertake as an intern.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language, such as French, is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's application. The ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken forms is essential for the intern's success in this role, particularly in supporting communication strategies and engaging with diverse audiences.

Additional Notes:
This internship is expected to last for an initial period of three months, with the possibility of extension up to a total of six months, depending on the needs of the office and the intern's performance. It is a full-time, in-person position located in New York. Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and they are responsible for covering all costs associated with travel, visas, accommodation, health insurance, and living expenses during the internship. For non-U.S. citizens, obtaining a G4 visa is mandatory, and the selected intern must ensure they have the appropriate visa and employment authorization to undertake the internship. Additionally, candidates should be aware that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.