Internship at United Nations Information Centre (UNIC)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Department of Global Communication (DGC) is a vital part of the United Nations system, dedicated to promoting global understanding of the UN's work and priorities. Established to enhance communication and advocacy efforts, the DGC operates through various UN Information Centres (UNICs) around the world. UNIC Mexico serves as the primary information source for Mexico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic, playing a crucial role in disseminating information and fostering dialogue about the UN's initiatives and goals. The organization is committed to transparency, inclusivity, and effective communication, ensuring that the public is well-informed about the UN's efforts to address global challenges.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Mexico City is designed for individuals who are eager to gain practical experience in the field of communications within an international organization. The intern will work under the direct supervision of the UNIC's Director and/or the National Information Officer (NIO), contributing to various communication initiatives that promote the UN's work and priorities in Mexico. This role is particularly focused on developing and implementing communication strategies that target key audiences, enhancing public understanding of the UN's impact, and supporting advocacy efforts related to sustainable development goals (SDGs) and information integrity. The internship is unpaid, requiring a full-time commitment of 35 hours per week for a duration of six months, providing a unique opportunity to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to meaningful projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of duties that support the UNIC's communication objectives. These include assisting in the development and implementation of a communications plan for the UN Mexico Results Report, targeting key audiences through various public information products such as human-interest stories and news articles. The intern will also contribute to the dissemination and promotion of the SDG Book Club, collaborate with stakeholders to promote Information Integrity in Mexico, and monitor misinformation trends that could pose reputational risks for the UN. Additionally, the intern will support inter-agency initiatives aimed at combating misinformation and hate speech, assist in creating and maintaining a database of communities of practice related to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, and conduct needs assessments for the UN Communications Group. The role also involves developing communication tools and training materials, creating public information content for various platforms, and performing other related tasks as required.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet specific educational requirements. They should either be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent) or be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level). Additionally, applicants must demonstrate computer literacy in standard software applications and possess a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, along with a commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. The ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds is essential, as is a willingness to understand and tolerate differing opinions and views. While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary, along with proficiency in standard office software and multimedia production tools.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in or completion of a graduate program or the final year of a bachelor's degree program. This ensures that candidates possess the necessary academic foundation to engage with the UN's work effectively. A focus on communications, international relations, or a related field is preferred, as it aligns with the responsibilities of the internship and the UN's mission. Familiarity with standard office software applications, particularly MS Word, PowerPoint, and Teams, is essential, as well as knowledge of multimedia production tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, CapCut, or Canva.

Experience:
While the United Nations Internship Programme does not require professional work experience, candidates are expected to have relevant academic knowledge and skills that align with the internship's focus. This includes familiarity with communications strategies, public information dissemination, and advocacy efforts. The internship is designed for individuals who are looking to gain practical experience and develop their skills in a professional setting, particularly within an international organization like the UN.

Languages:
For this internship position, fluency in oral and written Spanish is required, as it is essential for effective communication within the local context. Additionally, fluency in English is desirable, given that English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. Proficiency in both languages will enhance the intern's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the UN's communication efforts.

Additional Notes:
This internship is an unpaid position, meaning that interns will not receive financial remuneration from the United Nations. Interns are responsible for covering their own costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of Mexico 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 prior to 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 remains accessible and equitable.