Intern - Advocacy and Communications

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of children and ensure their well-being. The organization focuses on reaching the most disadvantaged children in the world, providing them with opportunities to thrive and fulfill their potential. UNICEF operates with a mission to save lives, defend rights, and build a better world for every child, emphasizing the importance of hope and resilience in their work.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is part of the UNICEF Internship Programme, which provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in UNICEF's operations and the broader United Nations system. The selected intern will work within the Education Cannot Wait (ECW) initiative, which is a global fund dedicated to ensuring quality education for children affected by emergencies and protracted crises. The intern will support the ECW Secretariat's Advocacy and Communications team, contributing to the development and implementation of strategic communication plans that aim to raise awareness and mobilize support for education in crisis situations. This role involves engaging in various advocacy efforts, creating communication materials, and supporting global campaigns to enhance the visibility and impact of ECW's work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: assisting the Chief of Advocacy/Communications in preparing impactful human stories and social media content; creating infographics, presentations, and advocacy materials; collecting and analyzing data to support communication strategies; drafting and reviewing communication documents to ensure accuracy and relevance; supporting global campaigns and high-level events; managing content for ECW's digital platforms; expanding contact lists for outreach; synthesizing lessons learned for knowledge development; and conducting research on best practices in advocacy and communications. The intern will also be expected to contribute innovative ideas to enhance advocacy efforts and support the overall mission of ECW.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, candidates must be currently enrolled in or have recently graduated from a degree program in fields such as Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or Advocacy. Applicants should be at least 18 years old, possess a strong command of the English language (both written and spoken), and demonstrate excellent academic performance through their university records. Additionally, candidates must not have immediate relatives working for UNICEF or the ECW Secretariat and must meet the UNICEF Child Safeguarding Personnel Standards.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have an academic background in relevant fields such as Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or Advocacy. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the principles of effective communication and advocacy in the context of humanitarian work and education in emergencies.

Experience:
While prior professional experience is not mandatory, any relevant internships, volunteer work, or academic projects related to communications, advocacy, or humanitarian efforts will be considered an asset. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience and develop their skills in a professional setting.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, encompassing speaking, writing, and reading skills at a high standard. Knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial but is not explicitly required for this position.

Additional Notes:
The internship is a full-time position, requiring 35 hours of work per week, with flexible working hours established in coordination with the ECW supervisor. Interns are allowed to take up to 2.5 days of leave per month for any reason. The internship is expected to start on April 1, 2025, and will last for a minimum of 6 months, with a maximum duration of 6 months (26 weeks). Interns will receive a monthly stipend of USD 1,700 if based in New York, Geneva, or Copenhagen, or 70% of the monthly salary of the GS level 3 step 1 in other duty stations. The internship may be terminated by either party with a notice period of at least two weeks. Selected candidates will undergo background checks and must confirm their vaccination status against COVID-19, unless they are working remotely.