Communications Interns

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) was established to promote economic cooperation and integration among its member states. The organization focuses on various sectors, including housing and land management, and aims to foster sustainable development across Europe. UNECE operates in multiple countries and has a mission to support inclusive and resilient urban development, particularly in the context of current global challenges. The organization employs a diverse workforce and collaborates with various stakeholders to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Communications Interns will be part of the Housing and Land Management Unit within the UNECE, specifically focusing on the UN4UkrainianCities project. This project aims to assist Ukrainian cities in achieving sustainable urban development amidst ongoing challenges. The interns will work closely with the Programme Management Officer and other key personnel to support various initiatives, including the organization of significant meetings and workshops related to housing affordability and sustainability. The role requires a proactive approach to assist in planning, drafting communication materials, and managing correspondence, all while contributing to the overall mission of promoting sustainable urban environments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a range of tasks, including but not limited to: supporting the planning and organization of meetings and workshops; compiling background information and preparing necessary documents; drafting communication materials such as press releases and newsletters; managing correspondence and tracking responses; assisting with logistical arrangements for events; performing day-to-day tasks as required by the secretariat; drafting, reviewing, and editing meeting documents and reports; conducting research related to the projects; and maintaining and updating content on UNECE platforms and websites.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) or 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, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel, and MS Teams, is essential. Familiarity with Adobe software, including InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, is desirable, as is the ability to draft news articles and social media posts.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a strong educational background relevant to the internship. This includes either being currently enrolled in or having completed a graduate program or the final year of an undergraduate program. The focus of study should ideally align with the responsibilities of the internship, such as communications, public relations, urban planning, or a related field.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic knowledge and skills that align with the internship's focus. Experience in drafting communication materials or engaging with stakeholders in a professional or academic setting would be beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for the internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Knowledge of French is also required, and familiarity with an additional official UN language is considered an advantage. For the UN4UkrainianCities project, knowledge of Ukrainian is desirable, reflecting the project's focus on supporting Ukrainian cities.

Additional Notes:
This internship is not financially remunerated, meaning that interns will not receive a salary or stipend from the United Nations. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. Additionally, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.