Intern (Public Information - Graphic Design)

The Office of the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the Secretariat department responsible for strengthening international human rights mechanisms; enhancing equality and countering discrimination; combating impunity and strengthening accountability and the rule of law; integrating human rights in development and in the economic sphere; widening the democratic space; and early warning and protection of human rights in situations of conflict, violence and insecurity. This announcement broadcasts international internship assignments with the Communications and Public Mobilization Section (CPMS) of the External Outreach Service (EOS). Established in 2013 the External Outreach Service works to create synergies between the different external relations services in aim of maximizing the impact of their work. Comprised of five thematic areas/Unit - Audio-visual, Graphic Design, Social Media, Editorial and Web, the Communications and Public Mobilization Section develops and implements strategies to improve general awareness of human rights issues and generates support for OHCHR’s work in the area of human rights. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, under the overall guidance of the Chief of Section, the intern reports to the respective Unit head. The internship assignment shall be for an initial period of three (3) months, renewable for a combined period of six (6) months, upon further approval by the supervisor, and a scheduled commencement date ranging/starting from September 2021 to December 2021. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. This internship is an UNPAID and full-time engagement that provides a framework through which students from diverse academic backgrounds gain exposure to the work of the United Nations by way of their service within Secretariat entities. Applicants should have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations with a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter, and have the demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs - which includes willingness to understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views. IN THE CONTEXT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, APPLICANTS MAY BE REQUESTED TO UNDERTAKE THE INTERNSHIP REMOTELY IN VIEW OF CONSTRAINTS REGARDING VISA ISSUANCE, INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL AND ACCESS TO UN PREMISES. APPLICANTS MUST BE WILLING AND PREPARED TO UNDERTAKE THE INTERNSHIP REMOTELY FOR A PART OR THE ENTIRETY OF THE INTERNSHIP. Applicants should indicate their present matriculation status and period of availability in the application cover letter.

The intern shall support OHCHR in fulfilling its mission: to work for the protection of all human rights for all people; to help empower people to realize their rights; and to assist those responsible for upholding such rights in ensuring that they are implemented. Daily responsibilities of Public Information (Graphic design) interns will depend on the individual's background and duties may include but are not limited to assisting the staff Graphic Designer on developing promotional materials for print and online production for Office campaigns, such as Human Rights Day and International Women’s Day and, in particular, the intern may: conduct online and academic research for the visualization of human rights topics and issues based on current communication trends and campaigns in similar fields, creating moodboards for visual direction and inspiration; assist the Communications team in researching iconography in the Office’s image databases and online using the Office’s photo library subscriptions; research concepts for Office campaigns and introducing ideas through clear visual and verbal presentations; respond to day to day requests for creating visuals for the Office’s social media channels in the 6 official UN languages under the supervision of the Graphic Designer, providing assistance in the creation of Tiktok videos may also be requested; use the Adobe CC applications for any layout, image editing, vector drawing, et cetera; and erform other related duties requested by the supervisor, as appropriate.

PROFESSIONALISM: Shows pride in work and in achievements; Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations. COMMUNICATION: 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. 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.

To qualify for the United Nations Secretariat internship programme applicants must, at the time of the expression of interest, be a graduate or enrolled in the final academic year of a first-level university degree programme programme (i.e. Bachelor's degree or equivalent degree); or be a graduate or enrolled in a second university degree programme (i.e. Master's degree or equivalent degree, or higher), preferably in the area of graphic design, art, visual communication or a related field with a university degree as defined above and, if selected, must commence the internship on the date specified in the Acceptance letter. APPLICANTS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAMME.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship, fluency in English or French is required, knowledge of the other is an asset. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).