UN News Writing, Reporting & Public Information Intern (French)

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 human rights. The UN operates in various sectors, including humanitarian aid, development, and law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees worldwide. The Department of Global Communications, where this internship is located, is responsible for disseminating information about the UN's work and initiatives across multiple platforms.

Job Overview:
This internship is situated within the French Language Unit of the UN News Section, part of the Department of Global Communications. The primary goal of this internship is to provide interns with practical experience in a UN newsroom environment, focusing on the production of daily news, in-depth features, and multimedia content in French. Interns will engage in various tasks that contribute to the overall mission of the UN News Section, which aims to inform and engage the public about the UN's activities and initiatives. The internship is designed to last for two months, with the possibility of extension up to six months, depending on departmental needs and the intern's availability. Interns will work full-time, five days a week, under the supervision of the Chief of the French Unit, gaining valuable insights into the workings of international journalism and communications.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a range of tasks, including drafting French news articles by integrating and translating information from various sources such as reports, press releases, and official statements. They will proofread articles before and after publication, assist with fact-checking and background research, and contribute to the production of graphic, visual, and audio content. Interns will also have the opportunity to work on feature stories, conduct research and interviews, and draft feature articles. Additionally, they will 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 needed, including outreach activities.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, English, or translation studies (second university degree or equivalent, or higher). Alternatively, applicants may be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program in the same fields (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent). Candidates should be computer literate in standard word processing and spreadsheet software, such as Microsoft Word and Excel, and demonstrate a keen interest in the UN's work and a commitment to its ideals. Additionally, applicants should possess strong interpersonal skills, with 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 or the final year of a first university degree program in fields related to communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, English, or translation studies. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of the UN's communication strategies and the global context in which it operates.

Experience:
No prior working experience is required to apply for this internship. However, candidates should possess relevant training, education, or skills that would benefit the UN during their internship. This could include coursework, volunteer experiences, or other relevant activities that demonstrate a commitment to the UN's mission and values.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French is required for this internship, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN official language is considered desirable, as it may enhance the intern's ability to engage with a broader range of UN communications and initiatives.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. The internship is full-time, requiring a commitment of 35 hours per week. 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 successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible to all qualified candidates.