Communication and Outreach Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. Established in 1972, UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and works with international and national partners to provide technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy. UNEP's Ecosystems Division focuses on strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The Abidjan Convention, established in 1981, provides a regional cooperation framework for the protection, management, and development of the marine and coastal environment of the south-eastern Atlantic region, covering a coastline of just over 14,000 km from Mauritania to South Africa. The Convention area is home to ecologically significant ecosystems that sustain vital fisheries, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of millions of coastal residents, but these ecosystems face increasing threats from climate change and human activities.

Job Overview:
The Communication and Outreach Intern will play a crucial role in supporting the Secretariat of the Abidjan Convention in enhancing the visibility of its work, engaging stakeholders, and promoting knowledge sharing among governments, partners, and the public. The intern will work under the supervision of the Head of the Secretariat and will be involved in various communication and outreach activities. This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about environmental issues and have a strong interest in the work of the United Nations. The intern will assist in the preparation of communication materials, maintain digital communication platforms, and support the organization of workshops and outreach events. The role requires creativity, strong communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Communication and visibility (media and digital engagement): The intern will support the preparation of communication materials that highlight the work of the Convention and its Contracting Parties. This includes drafting press releases, web stories, newsletters, and social media content. The intern will also assist in drafting speeches, briefing notes, and background materials for senior officials participating in regional and international meetings related to ocean governance, marine pollution, biodiversity, and sustainable blue economy. Additionally, the intern will contribute to maintaining and updating the Secretariat’s website and digital communication platforms to ensure visibility of regional initiatives, projects, and COP decisions. The intern will also support the preparation of communication products around major regional and global environmental events and assist in monitoring digital engagement and media coverage related to the Convention’s activities.
• Outreach and stakeholder engagement: The intern will support the organization and visibility of regional workshops, technical meetings, and outreach events involving various stakeholders. This includes preparing outreach materials such as presentations, fact sheets, and event communication materials related to the Convention’s programmes and initiatives. The intern will contribute to strengthening engagement with key stakeholders and partners supporting the implementation of the Convention’s programme of work.
• Knowledge sharing and storytelling: The intern will assist in documenting and disseminating the Convention’s results, including project achievements and regional initiatives. This includes compiling communication assets from regional activities and projects, preparing communication summaries and reports from major meetings, and developing stories and case studies that highlight best practices and lessons learned from the implementation of the Convention’s programme of work.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements at the time of application: 1) Enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. programme; 2) Enrolled in the final year of a Bachelor's programme; or 3) Within one year after graduation from a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. programme in the field of communications, public relations, graphic design, or equivalent. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate pleasant interpersonal skills, the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, and a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, along with a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a background in communications, public relations, graphic design, or a related field. This can include being enrolled in a relevant degree programme or having recently graduated from such a programme. The educational background should provide the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively contribute to the communication and outreach efforts of the Secretariat.

Experience:
The position is designed for interns who may not have extensive professional experience but should possess relevant academic knowledge and skills. Experience in communication, public relations, or related fields through internships, volunteer work, or academic projects will be beneficial. The intern should be able to demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt to the working environment of the United Nations.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is considered an advantage, as it may enhance the intern's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and contribute to the organization's multilingual communication efforts.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially remunerated 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. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Côte d'Ivoire may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.