Intern, Public Information, Media Resource Unit

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Position Title: Intern, Public Information, Media Resource Unit
Location: New York City
Country: United States
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

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, with its headquarters located in New York City. The organization employs thousands of individuals across diverse fields, working collaboratively to achieve its goals and uphold the ideals of the UN Charter.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is situated within the Multimedia Resources Unit (MRU) of the Audiovisual Services Section, part of the Coverage and Media Services Branch in the News and Media Division of the Department of Global Communications. The MRU's primary mandate is to provide audiovisual library and archival services while distributing multimedia content to both internal and external professional clients. This internship is designed to offer hands-on experience to individuals interested in information management, particularly in the context of multimedia archival collections. Interns will have the opportunity to work closely with seasoned professionals in the field, gaining insights into the management of multimedia libraries, including both photo and audiovisual resources. The role involves training in various aspects of multimedia archival collections management, such as preservation techniques, ensuring accessibility, managing metadata, and providing client services and outreach. Interns will be supervised by the Chief of the Multimedia Resources Unit, who will guide them through their learning process and help them develop the necessary skills for a career in this area.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be assigned to one or more multimedia libraries, either the Photo Library or the Audiovisual Library, depending on their individual backgrounds and references. Responsibilities include assisting with the management of multimedia archival collections, which encompasses tasks such as preservation of audiovisual materials, ensuring accessibility for users, managing metadata associated with the collections, and providing client services to both internal and external stakeholders. Interns will also engage in outreach activities to promote the resources available within the libraries. They will be involved in data entry and management tasks, contributing to long-term data preservation efforts. Additionally, interns may be tasked with creating social media posts to enhance the visibility of the unit's work and resources. Overall, the internship aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the operations within a multimedia resources unit and the skills necessary for effective information management.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet specific criteria set by the United Nations New York Headquarters Internship Programme. Candidates should be either enrolled in or have completed a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) or be in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent). Furthermore, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in standard word processing and spreadsheet software applications. A strong interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter are essential. Candidates should also possess the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, showcasing a willingness to understand and tolerate differing opinions and views.

Educational Background:
Applicants must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent) in fields closely related to the internship, such as library science, audiovisual (AV) archives, communications, information science, media studies, journalism, or a related discipline. Alternatively, candidates may have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. Programme in these fields. It is crucial that the field of study aligns closely with the type of internship being applied for, ensuring that interns have the foundational knowledge necessary for the role.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not a requirement for this internship, applicants should have a field of study that is closely related to the internship position. This means that candidates should ideally have relevant academic experience or coursework that prepares them for the tasks they will undertake during the internship. The focus is on providing an opportunity for students or recent graduates to gain practical experience in a professional setting, rather than requiring prior work experience in the field.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Knowledge of another UN official language, such as French, is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's application. The ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken forms is essential for success in this role, particularly in a multicultural environment where diverse languages and perspectives are present.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, meaning that they will not receive a salary or stipend during their internship period. As such, all costs and arrangements related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting their internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the UN prior to accepting the internship offer. Additionally, it is emphasized that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not subjected to any financial burdens related to their application.