Internship in Communications and External Relations

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is a part of the United Nations that focuses on trade, investment, and development issues. Established in 1964, UNCTAD aims to promote the integration of developing countries into the global economy. The organization operates in over 190 countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by developing nations in the context of international trade and development. UNCTAD's mission is to support developing countries in their efforts to achieve sustainable development through trade and investment, and it plays a crucial role in providing research, policy analysis, and technical assistance to its member states.

Job Overview:
This internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is located within the Communications and External Relations (CER) team at UNCTAD in Geneva, Switzerland. The primary function of this role is to assist in the creation and dissemination of communication materials that promote UNCTAD's work and initiatives. Interns will be expected to engage in a variety of multimedia tasks, including the production of videos, articles, infographics, and social media content. The internship is designed to provide practical experience in the field of communications while contributing to the organization's mission of raising awareness about trade and development issues. Interns will work full-time, five days a week, and will be supervised by a senior colleague, gaining valuable insights into the workings of a major international organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: assisting with the creation, editing, and production of multimedia content such as videos, podcasts, and infographics; supporting live coverage of events through photography and videography; editing multimedia content using software like Adobe Creative Suite; contributing to social media campaigns by creating engaging content; collaborating with team members to ensure timely outputs; archiving multimedia assets; participating in brainstorming sessions for content ideas; and adhering to UN regulations and guidelines throughout the internship. Interns are also required to respect the confidentiality of information and maintain the impartiality expected of UN personnel.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in media, communications, graphic design, multimedia arts, journalism, marketing, public relations, international studies, photography, or a closely related field. Proficiency in multimedia tools and design software, particularly Adobe Creative Suite, is highly desirable. Strong communication skills in English, both written and verbal, are essential, and knowledge of French or other UN languages is considered an asset. Interns should demonstrate a keen interest in multimedia production and have the ability to work effectively in a diverse cultural environment.

Educational Background:
Applicants must be students in their final year of a bachelor's degree, or enrolled in a master's or PhD program, or have completed a relevant degree. It is important that candidates provide proof of their educational status and any relevant qualifications in their application. A demonstrated ability to interact successfully with individuals from various cultural backgrounds is also required, highlighting the importance of tolerance and understanding in a multicultural workplace.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not a prerequisite for this internship, candidates should have a field of study closely related to the internship role. This means that applicants should ideally have some practical experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship, particularly in multimedia production or communications.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of French or Spanish is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's application, as the UN operates in multiple languages and values multilingualism among its staff.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires interns to cover all costs related to travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and living expenses. Interns must also secure a valid visa and medical insurance for the duration of their stay in Switzerland. The internship lasts for six months, with two possible starting dates: June 1, 2026, and November 15, 202

• Candidates should indicate their preferred start date in their cover letter. It is important to note that there is no expectation of employment with the UN following the internship, and interns are not eligible for professional-level positions within the UN for six months after completing their internship. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.