UN Intern - Public Information Communications

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 human rights, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees worldwide. The organization engages in numerous initiatives across the globe, aiming to foster international collaboration and address global challenges.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed to provide practical experience in the Guided Tours Unit (GTU) within the Visitors Services Section of the Outreach Division, Department of Global Communications at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. The primary goal of this internship is to engage and educate visitors about the UN's ideals and activities. Interns will work under the supervision of a staff member in the Unit, contributing to the planning and delivery of public engagement activities. The internship is expected to last for six months, starting on September 7, 2026, and is primarily full-time, although part-time arrangements may be considered based on the candidate's availability and the needs of the Unit. Interns will gain hands-on experience in various aspects of visitor engagement, including the development of thematic tours and educational activities, as well as the creation of promotional materials.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for supporting the planning and implementation of outreach and visitor engagement projects. This includes conducting research, coordinating activities, preparing materials, and following up on initiatives. Interns will assist in developing thematic tours and educational activities aimed at enhancing the visitor experience. They will gain practical exposure to the operations of the Guided Tours Unit, learning how guides prepare and deliver tours while effectively communicating complex UN issues to diverse audiences. Additionally, interns will contribute to the creation of communications and promotional materials, including articles, social media content, and visual materials. They will also support innovative visitor engagement initiatives, utilizing new technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI). Other duties may be assigned as required.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent), or (b) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher). While professional work experience is not required, a field of study related to the internship is necessary. Candidates should possess good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint. Familiarity with new technologies such as VR, AR, and AI is desirable. Additionally, the ability to take photos and videos, along with basic editing and retouching skills, is advantageous. Applicants should also be able to draft short articles and social media posts, with basic design skills in tools like Canva and Photoshop being a plus. Knowledge of American Sign Language is also desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in or have completed a university degree program, either at the undergraduate or graduate level. This educational background should ideally be related to the field of public information, communications, or a similar area that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that relates to public information and communications. This could include projects, volunteer work, or other internships that demonstrate an understanding of the UN's mission and the skills necessary for effective visitor engagement.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents will need to obtain a G-4 visa to undertake the internship. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants must ensure they have the necessary work authorization to participate in the internship. Additionally, individuals who have previously served six months as an intern in any UN entity are not eligible for this internship.