Intern - Communications and External Relations

Intern - Communications and External Relations

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

April 22, 2026April 28, 2026GenevaSwitzerland
Job Description
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 world economy. The organization operates in over 190 countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to fostering sustainable development and economic growth. UNCTAD's mission is to support developing countries in their efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable development through trade and investment.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the UNCTAD's Internal Communications team is designed for students who are passionate about communications, public relations, or marketing. This role is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to gain hands-on experience in a prestigious international organization. Interns will be involved in various aspects of internal communications, including content creation, event planning, and collaboration with different teams to enhance the organization's internal engagement. The internship is full-time, requiring a commitment of 40 hours per week, and is unpaid. Interns will gain valuable insights into the workings of a multicultural workplace and the dynamics of internal communications within a global organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:
  • Drafting engaging content for internal audiences to highlight the work of UNCTAD and its staff.
  • Keeping the intranet and internal communication channels updated with creative content ideas and visuals.
  • Participating in brainstorming sessions to develop materials for events and internal communications.
  • Collaborating with various teams to gather stories and create engaging articles for internal distribution.
  • Enhancing visuals and photographs using design tools like Canva to support news content.
  • Assisting in the creation and distribution of a bi-monthly newsletter via Mailchimp.
  • Supporting event planning and logistics, including managing invitations and ensuring events run smoothly.
  • Completing other tasks as assigned by the team. Interns are also expected to adhere to UN regulations and maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet specific criteria to be eligible for the internship. They should be either enrolled in or have completed a graduate program (second university degree or equivalent) or be in the final year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level). Additionally, applicants should possess familiarity with graphic design tools such as Adobe Photoshop and Canva, confidence in using digital communication platforms like PowerPoint and SharePoint, and strong written and verbal communication skills in English. The ability to work independently and collaboratively, along with good organizational skills and attention to detail, is essential. No prior work experience is required, but relevant training or coursework is beneficial.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this internship include being a student in the final year of a bachelor's degree program or having completed a bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. program. Candidates must provide proof of their educational status at the time of application, which may include an official certificate or documentation from their educational institution.

Experience:
No prior work experience is necessary to apply for this internship. However, candidates should have relevant training, education, or skills that would contribute to the UN's mission during their internship. This opportunity is particularly suited for students or recent graduates looking to gain experience in a professional setting within an international organization.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the UN. Knowledge of French is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application, given the bilingual nature of many UN operations.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own expenses, including travel, accommodation, and living costs. Interns must ensure they have valid health insurance coverage in Switzerland for the duration of their internship and may need to obtain a visa if they are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland. The internship is expected to last for three months, starting on May 4, 202
  • It is important to note that there is no expectation of employment with the UN following the internship, and interns are not eligible to apply for professional-level positions within the UN for six months after completing their internship.
Apply now
Similar Jobs