Communication Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. The UN operates in various fields including humanitarian aid, development, and human rights, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees worldwide. The organization is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity within its staff, encouraging applications from women and underrepresented groups.

Job Overview:
The Communication Intern position is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience within the United Nations' Security Sector Reform Unit (SSRU) in the Peacebuilding and Peace Support Office (PBPSO). The intern will be involved in a variety of communication-related tasks aimed at enhancing the visibility and understanding of SSR initiatives globally. This role is designed for individuals who are passionate about international relations, communication, and the workings of the UN. The intern will report directly to the Deputy SSRU and will have the flexibility to work either remotely or in-person at the UN premises in New York. The internship is unpaid and can be adapted to full-time or part-time schedules based on the intern's availability and preferences. The expected duration of the internship is six months, starting as early as August 3, 2026.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of duties that include preparing weekly media briefings for a global audience, assisting in drafting communication materials for social media platforms, and supporting the development and maintenance of the SSRU website. The intern will also coordinate and publish approved content, assist in implementing an annual communication campaign, develop promotional videos, organize photo banks and mailing lists, and provide logistical and administrative support for SSRU events. Additionally, the intern will conduct research to aid in the development of the SSRU’s generative AI tool and perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in or have completed a graduate 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 degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Applicants should demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, and possess the ability to draft news articles and social media posts.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in their final year of a bachelor's degree program, or enrolled in or have completed a master's or Ph.D. program. Proof of enrollment or completion must be attached to the application, and an official certificate will be required later in the process. The educational background should ideally be in fields related to communication, international relations, or a similar discipline.

Experience:
While no prior professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. This could include experience in communication, media, or public relations, as well as any relevant volunteer work or internships that demonstrate a commitment to the field.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and candidates are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is located may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization. The UN is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The start and end dates of the internship are flexible, and candidates should indicate their preferred timeline in their application.