UN News Writing, Reporting & Public Information 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, addressing global challenges such as human rights, development, and humanitarian assistance. The UN operates in various countries around the world, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to its goals. The organization is known for its commitment to fostering international dialogue and collaboration to achieve sustainable development and uphold the principles of the UN Charter.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is located within the English Language Unit of the News Section I, part of the News and Content Branch in the Department of Global Communications at the United Nations. This role is designed for individuals seeking to gain practical experience in a dynamic UN newsroom environment. Interns will be involved in the production of daily news articles, in-depth features, and multimedia content in English. The position offers a unique opportunity to engage with the UN's mission of promoting universal ideals such as peace and human rights through effective communication. Interns will work under supervision, contributing to various projects and gaining insights into the workings of international media and communications.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including drafting English news articles by synthesizing information from multiple sources such as reports, press releases, and official statements. They will proofread articles before and after publication, assist with fact-checking, and conduct background research. Additionally, interns will help produce graphic, visual, and audio content, and may have the opportunity to work on feature stories, conducting interviews and research as needed. They will also review the partnerships database in collaboration with the UN Partnerships Unit, seeking new digital media partners and trustworthy entities focused on fact-checking and media literacy. Other duties may be assigned as necessary, including outreach activities.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program in fields such as communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, English, or translation studies. Alternatively, candidates may be in their final year of a bachelor's degree program in these areas. Proficiency in standard word processing and spreadsheet software, such as Microsoft Word and Excel, is required. Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in the UN's work and a commitment to its ideals, as well as the ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a relevant educational background, either being enrolled in or having completed a graduate program (master's or equivalent) or being in the final year of a bachelor's degree program in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, English, or translation studies. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of the UN's communication needs and the global context in which it operates.

Experience:
No prior working experience is required for this internship. However, candidates should possess skills and knowledge gained through their education, training, or coursework that would be beneficial to the UN during their internship. This includes familiarity with media production, research methodologies, and communication strategies relevant to international organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in both written and spoken English is essential for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates should be able to write to a high level of proficiency and meet demanding deadlines. Knowledge of another UN official language, such as French, is desirable but not mandatory.

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 the United States may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting an internship offer. The UN does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is free from financial burdens.