Internship in Communications & External Relations

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which is a global organization dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees. Established in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a mission to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country. The organization works to safeguard the rights of refugees and displaced persons, providing them with essential support and assistance. UNHCR's efforts are focused on ensuring that refugees can rebuild their lives and integrate into their host communities, while also advocating for their rights on a global scale. The organization employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working collaboratively with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to address the challenges faced by refugees and displaced individuals.

Job Overview:
The internship position is within the Communications & External Relations Unit at UNHCR’s Representation for the Nordic and Baltic Countries. The unit is tasked with enhancing the visibility and communication efforts of UNHCR in the region, engaging with Nordic countries as donors, and promoting awareness about the global refugee situation. The intern will play a crucial role in supporting the unit's communication strategies, which include creating positive narratives about refugees, advocating for improved refugee responses, and strengthening partnerships with donor governments and stakeholders. The intern will be expected to contribute creatively to various communication platforms, including media, web, and social media, while also gaining valuable experience in the field of communications and external relations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the unit's objectives. These include developing creative and engaging communication angles for media, web, and social media platforms, which may involve both written and visual storytelling. The intern will monitor and report on refugee issues, political developments, and national narratives that impact refugee protection and the right to asylum. Additionally, the intern will analyze and report on humanitarian and development activities in the Nordic and Baltic countries, as well as track and analyze refugee issues across various media channels. Drafting internal documents such as briefing notes, background information, and talking points will also be part of the intern's responsibilities. The intern may be required to perform other related duties as needed, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for this internship should be dynamic, independent, and engaged individuals with a background in communication or related fields. They should possess strong writing and communication skills, with experience in writing for public audiences being highly desirable. Knowledge of refugee issues in the Nordic region, including the political context, is also beneficial. The ideal candidate should be eager to learn and contribute to the team's efforts in enhancing UNHCR's communication and advocacy objectives.

Educational Background:
Applicants must be current students or recent graduates who have completed their studies within the last year in fields such as political science, international relations, development studies, migration studies, communication, media studies, or journalism. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of refugee issues and the communication strategies employed by UNHCR.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandatory, candidates with experience in communication, media, or related fields will be favored. Experience writing for public audiences, such as through newspaper articles, student journalism, or blogs, is particularly valuable and will enhance the candidate's suitability for the role.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory, along with proficiency in at least one Nordic language, which can include Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian, or Swedish. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication within the Nordic context and for engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The internship is set to commence as soon as possible and will last for a duration of six months. Interns may be eligible for funding through scholarships from universities or other external sources. A food and transportation allowance of approximately USD 1,000 per month is available for non-sponsored interns. Additionally, if the intern is engaged from outside Sweden, they will be entitled to reimbursement for travel costs incurred to reach the duty station. It is important for non-nationals to provide proof of valid medical insurance coverage for the duration of the internship, as UNHCR does not cover medical insurance costs. Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a written test and participate in a virtual interview.