Internal Communications Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is a part of the United Nations that focuses on trade, investment, and development issues. Established in 1964, UNCTAD aims to promote the integration of developing countries into the world economy. The organization operates in over 190 countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to fostering sustainable development and economic growth. UNCTAD's mission is to support developing countries in their efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable development through trade and investment.

Job Overview:
The Internal intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Communications Intern position at UNCTAD in Geneva offers a unique opportunity for students or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in the field of internal communications. Interns will be integral to the communications efforts surrounding the UNCTAD's 2025 Quadrennial Conference, which will take place in Vietnam. This internship is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of internal communication strategies within a global organization. Interns will work closely with Communications Officers to develop and implement communication strategies that enhance employee engagement and promote a positive workplace culture. The role requires a commitment to full-time work, five days a week, and is unpaid. Interns must also ensure they have valid health insurance and a visa for Switzerland during their internship period.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the internal communications team. Key responsibilities include:

• Enhancing the intranet by ensuring it is informative, engaging, and reflective of ongoing initiatives.
• Evaluating and improving existing communication tools to ensure they are effective and user-friendly.
• Supporting the creation of internal campaigns that boost employee engagement and foster a positive workplace culture.
• Collaborating on articles for the internal newsletter to keep employees informed about organizational news, policy changes, and important events.
• Maintaining an internal communications calendar to ensure timely and consistent messaging that aligns with UNCTAD’s strategic priorities.
• Developing inspiring stories that highlight staff accomplishments and key milestones.
• Assisting in the promotion and coordination of UNCTAD16 Conference events to ensure smooth operations and strong employee engagement. Additionally, interns must adhere to all applicable rules and regulations of the UN, respect confidentiality, and refrain from any conduct that could adversely reflect on the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet specific criteria to be eligible for the internship. They should be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program or be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level). Familiarity with digital communication tools such as PowerPoint and SharePoint is advantageous. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are essential, and an understanding of how AI and data analytics can enhance internal communications is a plus. Interns should demonstrate the ability to work independently and as part of a diverse, multicultural team, along with strong organizational skills and attention to detail. No prior work experience is required, but relevant training or coursework that benefits the UN during the internship is expected.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in their final year of a bachelor's degree program, or enrolled in or have completed a master's or Ph.D. program. Proof of enrollment or completion must be provided at the time of application. This educational background is crucial as the internship aims to enhance the educational experience of students and recent graduates by exposing them to the workings of the United Nations.

Experience:
No prior work experience is required for this internship position. However, applicants should possess relevant training, education, or skills that would benefit the UN during their internship. The focus is on providing students and recent graduates with practical experience in a professional setting, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Vietnamese is considered a strong asset, as it may be beneficial for communication related to the upcoming UNCTAD16 Conference in Vietnam. Proficiency in additional languages can enhance an intern's ability to contribute to the organization’s diverse environment.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for covering all personal costs, including travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and living expenses. Interns must ensure they have valid health insurance coverage in Switzerland for the duration of the internship and may need to obtain a visa and work authorization if they are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland. The internship is expected to last for three months, with starting dates available in April, May, and June 202

• Interns should indicate their preferred start date in their cover letter. It is important to note that there is no expectation of employment with the UN following the internship, and interns are not eligible to apply for professional-level positions within the UN for six months after completing their internship.