Intern, Public Information

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) was established in December 1999 and serves as the focal point within the United Nations system for coordinating efforts to reduce disasters. The organization aims to ensure synergies among disaster reduction activities across the United Nations and regional organizations, addressing both developed and less developed countries. UNDRR is led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG) and employs over 150 staff members at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, as well as in regional offices. The organization is dedicated to guiding, monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, supporting its regional and national implementation, and catalyzing action to enhance global awareness of disaster risk reduction. UNDRR collaborates with UN Member States and a diverse range of partners, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians, and the science and technology community.

Job Overview:
This internship is located in the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), specifically within the Regional Office for Africa. The intern will report directly to the External Relations Officer and will be expected to work in person and full-time for a duration of six months. The internship is unpaid and requires interns to work five days a week. The primary functions of this position include assisting in the drafting and preparation of background documents, concept notes, reports, and presentations. The intern will also participate in the organization of events, workshops, webinars, and training sessions. Additionally, the intern will be responsible for collecting disaggregated data on training participants, analyzing training evaluation surveys, and preparing reports related to training and workshops. The role will also involve assisting in the preparation of social media content, including drafting texts and short video scripts, as well as designing promotional materials. Overall, the intern will support various information management tasks and contribute to the UNDRR's mission of reducing disaster risk.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's duties and responsibilities will include:

• Assisting in drafting and preparing background documents, concept notes, reports, and presentations for various events and initiatives.
• Participating in the organization of events, workshops, webinars, and training sessions, ensuring all logistical aspects are managed effectively.
• Collecting and analyzing disaggregated data on training participants and preparing comprehensive training and workshop reports.
• Assisting in the creation of social media content, including drafting engaging texts and short video scripts, as well as designing promotional materials using graphic design tools.
• Supporting other information management-related tasks as assigned by the External Relations Officer.
• Collaborating with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective communication and dissemination of information related to disaster risk reduction efforts.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required for applicants to the UN Internship Programme, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Applicants must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master's, or Ph.D. program, or have completed such programs. Additionally, applicants should possess good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Forms, and Teams. The ability to draft news articles and social media posts using tools like Canva, Hootsuite, and content management systems (CMS) is desirable, as is the ability to design surveys and polls.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being enrolled in or having completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent) or being in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's degree or equivalent). Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic foundation in a field of study that is relevant to the internship, such as communications, public relations, international relations, or a related discipline. Proof of enrollment or completion of the relevant academic program must be provided with the application.

Experience:
While applicants are not required to have professional work experience, it is essential that they have a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in the field of disaster risk reduction and public information. The ability to successfully interact with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs is crucial, as the intern will be working in a multicultural environment.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage. The ability to communicate effectively in both English and another UN language will enhance the intern's contributions to the team and the organization's objectives.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Kenya may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the organization prior to accepting the internship offer. Additionally, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization emphasizes that it does not require information regarding applicants' bank accounts.