Internship at UNIC Asuncion

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Asuncion is part of the Department of Global Communication and Campaigns and Country Operations Division. The UNIC aims to promote the work of the United Nations and its various initiatives to the public and stakeholders. The organization is dedicated to fostering understanding and support for the UN's mission and activities, which include peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development. UNIC Asuncion operates within Paraguay, contributing to the global efforts of the United Nations in promoting peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and human rights. The organization is committed to transparency, inclusivity, and collaboration with local communities and governments to achieve its goals. UNIC Asuncion is a relatively small office, focusing on effective communication and outreach strategies to engage the public and raise awareness about the UN's work.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at UNIC Asuncion is designed for individuals who are eager to gain practical experience in a dynamic international organization. Interns will work under the guidance of the National Information Officer (NIO) and will have the opportunity to engage in various tasks that align with their academic background and interests. The role is primarily focused on providing support in communication and information dissemination efforts, which are crucial for the UN's outreach initiatives. Interns will be involved in drafting media documents, assisting in the production of communication products, and updating internal databases. This position offers a unique chance to learn about the operations of the United Nations, develop professional skills, and contribute to meaningful projects that promote the UN's mission in Paraguay. Interns will also have the opportunity to work on social media initiatives, enhancing their understanding of digital communication strategies in a global context.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns at UNIC Asuncion will have a diverse set of responsibilities that may include:

• Providing general office support and responding to complex information requests and inquiries related to UNIC Asuncion.
• Assisting in the production and delivery of information communications products and services.
• Updating and further developing internal databases to ensure accurate and accessible information.
• Supporting the update of UNIC Asuncion's website and social media accounts by drafting and adapting content.
• Researching and compiling basic information for the preparation and production of communications products/services about the UN.
• Assisting with photographic material by producing digital images and writing captions for UN photos as needed.
• Contributing to the production and editing of video/film projects, radio programs, or website projects, including scriptwriting and cataloging sound and visual materials.
• Developing and finalizing social media products and enhancing online initiatives to raise awareness of the UN's work.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the NIO or other staff members.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet specific educational requirements. The basic education required is a high school diploma. Additionally, applicants must fulfill 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 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. Programme, or have completed such programs.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes a high school diploma as a minimum. However, applicants are expected to be enrolled in or have completed a higher education program, such as a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D. program. This educational requirement ensures that interns possess the necessary academic foundation to engage effectively in the tasks and responsibilities associated with the internship. A focus on fields related to communication, international relations, or public affairs is particularly beneficial for candidates applying for this position.

Experience:
The internship position does not require prior professional work experience, making it an excellent opportunity for students or recent graduates to gain practical experience in an international organization. However, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. This could include experience gained through academic projects, volunteer work, or internships in related fields such as communications, public relations, or international development.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English and Spanish is required for this position, as these are essential for effective communication within the UN Secretariat. Additionally, knowledge of French is desirable, as it is one of the working languages of the UN. Proficiency in these languages will enable interns to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the UN's communication efforts effectively.

Additional Notes:
The internship position at UNIC Asuncion is offered for a duration of either 2 or 6 months, providing flexibility for candidates based on their availability and academic commitments. 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 Paraguay may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements with the UNIC Asuncion office prior to accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.