UN Public Information Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Beirut is part of the global network of UN Information Centres, which operate under the Outreach Division of the Department of Global Communications. The mission of UNICs is to enhance the United Nations' ability to communicate its message to people around the world, ensuring that the UN story is shared in various languages. Established to facilitate outreach and engagement with the media, educational institutions, governments, and civil society, UNICs play a crucial role in promoting the work of the UN and its initiatives. The organization operates in multiple countries, providing vital information resources and support to local communities and stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The UN Public intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Information Intern position is designed for individuals who are eager to gain practical experience in public information and communications within the United Nations framework. The internship is located at the UNIC in Beirut and is offered for a minimum duration of two months, with the possibility of extension up to six months based on the intern's availability and the department's needs. Interns will work under the direct supervision of the Officer-in-Charge or Public Information Officer, contributing to various communication efforts. The role requires full-time commitment, with interns expected to work five days a week in a remote arrangement. This internship provides an opportunity to engage with UN communications, develop skills in media relations, and contribute to the dissemination of UN news and events.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include drafting media advisories, press releases, and news stories in both English and Arabic. They will also contribute to the content creation for the UNIC-Beirut website and manage social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube by sharing relevant UN news and events. Additionally, the intern will provide media support for events and campaigns organized by UNIC Beirut, assist in organizing press conferences and briefings, and help with media coverage through photography and videography. Other ad-hoc tasks may be assigned as needed, allowing the intern to gain a comprehensive understanding of public information operations within the UN.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet specific educational criteria: they should either be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program (second university degree or equivalent) or be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level). A strong knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, is essential. The ability to draft news articles and social media posts is desirable, as is experience in designing surveys and polls. Candidates should demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to its ideals, as well as the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Educational Background:
Applicants must be students in their final year of a bachelor's degree program or have completed a bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. program. The field of study should be closely related to the internship role, ensuring that candidates possess relevant knowledge and skills applicable to public information and communications within the UN context.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not a requirement for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. This could include internships, volunteer work, or projects related to communications, public relations, or international relations.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic is mandatory for this internship, as these are the primary languages used in the role. Knowledge of French is considered desirable, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations and may enhance the intern's ability to engage with a broader audience.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Lebanon 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. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not subjected to any financial burdens related to their application.