Public Information Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the United Nations Information Service (UNIS), which is part of the United Nations Office at Vienna. UNIS is dedicated to providing information about the United Nations and its work to the public and the media. The organization aims to promote understanding and support for the UN's mission and activities. Established to facilitate communication and outreach, UNIS operates in various countries and engages with a diverse audience to foster international cooperation and peace. The organization employs a team of professionals who are committed to the ideals of the United Nations and work collaboratively to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Public intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Information Intern will be placed in the Outreach Unit of the United Nations Information Service (UNIS) in Vienna, Austria. This internship is designed to provide practical experience in public information and outreach activities related to the work of the United Nations. The intern will be expected to support the Unit in its daily operations, which includes preparing project outlines, assisting in the organization of events, and drafting various written materials. The position is full-time, requiring interns to work five days a week for a total of 40 hours. The internship is unpaid and is expected to last for six months, starting on 17 August 202

• Interns will work under the direct supervision of professional staff, gaining valuable insights into the workings of the United Nations and enhancing their skills in communication and public engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will undertake a variety of tasks that may include, but are not limited to: preparing project outlines to support the Unit's activities; assisting in the organization of events such as film screenings, exhibitions, and campaigns; drafting written materials including presentations, remarks, social media content, and multimedia products; establishing contacts with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), civil society, and academic institutions; and performing other related tasks as necessary to support the Unit's objectives. The role requires a proactive approach to learning and contributing to the outreach efforts of the United Nations.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet specific criteria. They should be enrolled in or have recently completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) or be enrolled in or have recently completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent). Official written proof from the university supporting one of these conditions must be attached to the application. Additionally, applicants must be computer literate in standard software applications and demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, along with a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. The ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs is also essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or they should have recently completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. program. This educational background is crucial as it ensures that the intern has the necessary theoretical knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices relevant to the internship role. Applicants are required to provide proof of their educational status at the time of application.

Experience:
While applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have prior professional work experience, it is important that their field of study is closely related to the type of internship they are applying for. This ensures that the intern can effectively contribute to the work of the Outreach Unit and gain relevant experience that aligns with their academic background and career aspirations.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English and German is required for this internship, as these are the working languages of the United Nations. Additionally, knowledge of a language from a UNIS client country, such as Hungarian, Slovak, or Slovene, is desirable. Familiarity with another official United Nations language is considered an asset, as it may enhance the intern's ability to engage with a broader audience and contribute to the Unit's outreach efforts.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of Austria may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the UN before accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible to all qualified candidates.