The OES/SCAS internship is for 3-6 months. The internship is UNPAID and full-time. Interns work five days per week (37.5 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned. Interns will gain first-hand experience with regard to the United Nations ESCAP activities in the area of strategic communications, digital outreach and public information. They will also gain a greater understanding of how the ESCAP works and its range of activities in the Asia-Pacific region.
ResponsibilitiesThe internship is centred on assisting ESCAP Communications and Knowledge Management Section (CKMS) in discharging a range of strategic communications, public information and digital outreach tasks to raise the organization’s visibility. The following responsibilities can be adapted, as appropriate, to fit each intern. • Assist in drafting and editing content for public information materials, including press releases, newsletter articles, blogs and social media • Assist in producing social media plans and campaigns, as well as explore more potential digital outreach initiatives to raise online visibility of ESCAP work; • Produce various multimedia materials for online and offline products, including infographics, motion graphics, short videos, publication covers, presentation templates and event flyers; • Provide video production assistance including shooting and editing videos, mixing sound and animating slideshows, if required; • Assist with photography and video coverage, when required and support management of the ESCAP multimedia database • Assist in the organization and execution of events to mark UN observances, press conferences, media launches, campaigns, or exhibitions; • Monitor news clippings from local newspapers on global, regional and national issues; • Provide background research for public information materials; • Assist with the ESCAP Briefing Programme; • Initiate and carry out assigned tasks/special projects.
CompetenciesCommunication: -Speaks and writes clearly and effectively -Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately -Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication -Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience -Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed Teamwork: -Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals -Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others -Places team agenda before personal agenda -Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position -Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings Creativity: -Actively seeks to improve programmes or services -Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs -Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas -Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks "outside the box" -Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things -Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches Optional Competencies [You may choose maximum 2 competencies] Client Orientation: -Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view -Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect -Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions -Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems -Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects -Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client Planning & Organizing: -Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies -Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required -Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work -Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning -Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary -Uses time efficiently
EducationTo qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met: • Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: a) be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); b) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); or c) have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one year period of graduation. • Be computer literate in standard software applications; • Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and • Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views. Knowledge of Adobe Creative Studio and Canva is desirable.
LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required for the Internship Programme. Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.