Intern - Strategic Communications Section

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. The UN operates in various fields including human rights, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees worldwide. The organization is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its staffing.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Strategic Communications Section of the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) is designed to provide support in enhancing communication efforts and media relations for UN Peacekeeping. Interns will work under the supervision of the Public Information Officer and will engage in various tasks that contribute to the overall mission of the DPO, which focuses on managing conflict and sustaining peace in regions where peace operations are deployed. The role is flexible, allowing for either remote work or a hybrid arrangement at the UN premises in New York. Interns will be expected to assist in drafting media responses, creating multimedia content, and supporting public outreach initiatives, all aimed at promoting the objectives of UN Peacekeeping.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a range of tasks including: assisting the Strategic Communications Section with media relations, drafting responses to media inquiries, and crafting key messages; sourcing content for daily press briefings; developing design and multimedia products for digital platforms such as the UN Peacekeeping website and social media channels; drafting and editing publications including fact sheets and newsletters; planning and implementing campaigns and public events; monitoring media trends and preparing daily media reports; and contributing creative ideas for projects and media stories. Interns may also be required to perform additional duties as assigned by their supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program (second university degree or equivalent) 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 office software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential, along with the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Relevant training in communications, public relations, or event planning is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be pursuing or have completed a degree in a field related to communications, public relations, international relations, or a similar area. The educational background should align closely with the responsibilities of the internship, ensuring that candidates possess the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to the Strategic Communications Section.

Experience:
While no prior professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic experience or training in communications, public relations, or related fields. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in a professional setting, particularly within an international organization like the UN.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an advantage, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in these languages will enhance the intern's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the organization's communication efforts.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid and can be either full-time (35 hours per week) or part-time (20 hours per week). The expected duration of the internship is six months, and candidates should indicate their preferred start date in their application. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is located may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. The UN encourages female candidates to apply and emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion.