UNEP Communication Support Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority established to set the global environmental agenda and promote the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and operates in numerous countries worldwide, engaging with various stakeholders to address pressing environmental issues. The organization is committed to fostering sustainable development through sound environmental practices and policies, and it plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to environmental challenges on a global scale.

Job Overview:
The UNEP Communication Support Intern position is designed to provide support for various communications activities that are integral to UNEP's mission. This internship will be based in the UNEP Communication Division at the Nairobi duty station and will focus on initiatives such as World Environment Day, Champions of the Earth, Young Champions of the Earth, and the UN Environment Assembly. The intern will work under the guidance of the Director of Communications and the Communication Lead for Special Events, contributing to the development of communication materials and supporting outreach efforts for public advocacy campaigns. The role is ideal for individuals looking to gain hands-on experience in environmental communication and advocacy within a prestigious international organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: assisting in the development of communication materials such as meeting notes, email correspondence, draft background papers, social media content, and digital analyses; supporting coordination within the Communication Division and with other departments, ensuring effective information sharing and tracking of actions; managing partnerships related to key initiatives, including responding to partner inquiries, scheduling meetings, conducting research, maintaining partner databases, and monitoring relevant information; assisting with outreach for public advocacy campaigns, liaising with partners and stakeholders, and following up on communications; organizing and coordinating internal and external meetings and events, including preparing agendas and documenting proceedings; preparing campaign briefings, wrap-up reports, and other communications materials; providing administrative, project management, and information management support as needed; and performing other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent); or (c) have a field of study closely related to the internship. No prior work experience is required, but applicants should possess good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. Additionally, applicants must be students in their final year of a bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. program or have completed such a program.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being enrolled in or having completed a graduate program or being in the final year of a bachelor's degree program. Preferred areas of study include communication, international affairs, or any environment-related field. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the context and responsibilities associated with the internship role.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship position. However, applicants should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. The focus is on candidates who are currently studying or have recently completed their studies in fields related to communication, international affairs, or environmental issues.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage. The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, and proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication within the organization.

Additional Notes:
Interns at UNEP are not financially compensated for their work. All costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Kenya 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 a transparent and fair selection process.