UN DPO Strategic Communications Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the United Nations, specifically within the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Branch of the Peacebuilding and Peace Support Office (PBPSO) in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO). The UN was established in 1945 and has a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. The organization operates in numerous countries around the world, with a focus on conflict resolution and humanitarian assistance. The DDR Branch plays a crucial role in supporting peacekeeping operations and community violence reduction initiatives, contributing to the UN's overarching goal of sustaining peace and preventing conflict.

Job Overview:
The UN DPO Strategic intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Communications Intern will engage in a variety of tasks aimed at enhancing the communications and outreach efforts of the DDR Branch. This position is designed for individuals who are eager to learn about strategic communications within the context of international peacebuilding. Interns will have the opportunity to work closely with experienced professionals, gaining insights into the workings of the UN and the importance of effective communication in promoting peace initiatives. The intern will support the development and implementation of strategic communications activities, translating complex technical and policy information into accessible content for diverse audiences. This role is ideal for those interested in communications, international relations, and peacebuilding, providing a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that impact global peace efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: supporting the development and implementation of the DDR Branch’s strategic communications and outreach activities; drafting, editing, proofreading, and copy-editing various communications products such as web stories, articles, newsletters, and reports; assisting in the design and production of visual communications materials; maintaining the DDR Branch’s web presence by updating content and improving accessibility; creating content for social media and other digital channels; exploring innovative communications tools and formats; visualizing data and results through infographics and charts; assisting with event-related communications; conducting research to gather content from colleagues and partners; organizing communications assets; monitoring communications trends; and coordinating with other communications colleagues across the UN system. The intern will also perform other duties as requested by the supervisor, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the DDR Branch's communications strategy.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); 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. The ability to draft news articles and social media posts is desirable, as is the capability to design surveys and polls.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in or have completed a Master’s or Ph.D. program. Proof of enrollment or completion must be provided with the application. This educational background ensures that interns possess the necessary theoretical knowledge and skills relevant to the tasks they will undertake during the internship.

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 communications, public relations, international relations, or related fields. The internship is designed to provide practical experience and learning opportunities for those who are passionate about peacebuilding and communications.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship, as English 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. This multilingual requirement reflects the diverse nature of the UN and its operations.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 35 hours per week, with a working arrangement that includes four days in the office and one day of remote work. The initial duration of the internship is three months, with the possibility of extension up to six months based on the needs of the DDR Branch. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Candidates who have previously served six months as an intern in any UN entity are not eligible for this position. Additionally, family members of active UN staff are also ineligible. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.