Public Information Intern

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 a significant presence in Lebanon, where it engages in humanitarian efforts, development programs, and peacekeeping missions. The organization employs thousands of individuals globally, including staff, volunteers, and interns, who contribute to its diverse initiatives and projects.

Job Overview:
The Public intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Information Intern position at the United Nations in Beirut offers a unique opportunity for individuals interested in gaining practical experience in public relations and communications within an international organization. The intern will work under the direct supervision of the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) and/or Public Information Officer (PIO), engaging in a variety of tasks that will enhance their understanding of media relations and public outreach. The internship is designed to provide hands-on experience in drafting media materials, contributing to digital content, and supporting events organized by UNIC-Beirut. Interns will have the chance to develop their skills in communication, media support, and event organization while working in a dynamic and multicultural environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's daily responsibilities will vary based on their background, the assigned office, and the internship duration. Key duties include:

• Drafting media advisories, press releases, press reviews, talking points, statements, and news stories in both English and Arabic.
• Contributing to the content creation for the UNIC-Beirut website and social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, by sharing relevant UN news and events.
• Providing media support for events and campaigns organized by UNIC-Beirut.
• Assisting in the organization of press conferences, meetings, briefings, and other public relations events.
• Taking photos and videos for media coverage and archiving purposes.
• Supporting other ad-hoc activities as instructed by the supervising staff.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of 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 the UN Internship Programme, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Applicants must demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. Additionally, candidates should possess good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, and have the ability to draft news articles and social media posts.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in or have completed a Master’s or Ph.D. program. Proof of enrollment or completion must be provided with the application. The educational background should ideally be in fields related to communications, public relations, international relations, or other relevant disciplines that align with the responsibilities of the internship.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that demonstrates their understanding of public information and media relations. The internship is particularly suited for individuals looking to gain practical experience in a professional setting, especially those who are passionate about the work of the United Nations and its mission.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic is required for this internship, as these are the primary languages used in the role. Knowledge of French is considered desirable, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both English and Arabic, particularly in drafting and editing media materials.

Additional Notes:
This internship is offered on a full-time basis and is expected to last between 2 to 6 months. It is important to note that interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and all costs 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 Lebanon may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.