UN Communications Intern - AI and Innovation

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 poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN operates in various countries around the world, employing thousands of individuals across diverse fields, including communications, humanitarian aid, and development. The Department of Global Communications (DGC) is one of the key departments within the UN, responsible for informing the public and civil society about the UN's work and initiatives, utilizing global networks and information centers.

Job Overview:
The UN intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Communications Intern will work within the Strategic Impact and Innovation Section of the Department of Global Communications. This internship focuses on translating the department's strategic objectives into actionable workflows and measurable outcomes. The intern will engage in various tasks related to the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in communications, public messaging, and monitoring global AI trends. The position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in how the UN applies AI governance in communications, inter-agency coordination, and innovative outreach formats. The internship is designed to last for three months, with a possibility of extension up to six months, depending on the needs of the section and the intern's availability. This is a full-time, unpaid internship requiring a commitment of five days a week, totaling 35 hours, and can be conducted in person or in a hybrid format.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will support various functions under the supervision of the AI lead, including:

• Assisting with the monthly inter-agency AI Lab meetings by preparing agendas, taking notes, and documenting follow-up actions.
• Supporting research on sub-themes related to AI, such as content provenance and disclosure standards.
• Maintaining an inventory of AI use cases and projects within the DGC, documenting challenges and opportunities.
• Logging inquiries related to DGC’s Guidelines on the Ethical and Responsible Use of AI in Communications and identifying recurring questions for further exploration.
• Producing UN content on priority topics to enhance visibility in large language models (LLMs).
• Tracking developments in the AI landscape and preparing monthly trend digests.
• Proposing innovative ideas for digital storytelling and audience engagement, developing promising concepts into pilot projects.
• Conducting research on emerging areas of AI and transforming findings into practical resources.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the United Nations Internship Programme, applicants must be either 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). Relevant fields include communications, journalism, multimedia, data journalism, AI, computer science, digital media, or related areas. Additionally, applicants should possess hands-on experience with AI and digital tools for communications, basic data skills, and a strong interest in AI ethics and creative communications. A demonstrated commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter and the ability to interact with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds are also essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program or be in the final year of a bachelor's degree program. Relevant fields of study include communications, journalism, multimedia, data journalism, AI, computer science, digital media, or related disciplines. Applicants must provide proof of their educational status in their application.

Experience:
No prior work experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. However, candidates should demonstrate relevant skills and knowledge that would benefit the UN during their internship. This includes familiarity with AI tools, digital communications, and an understanding of the UN's mission and values.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, 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 the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns must provide their own hardware, software, and internet connection to perform the internship remotely. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants who are children or siblings of UN staff members are not eligible to apply. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is located may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization.