Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. At UNDP, external and internal communication—nationally, regionally and globally—is critical to achieving both development results and business objectives. Skillful communication broadens the impacts of new policies, helps governance reforms take root, and attracts and fosters strong partnerships.

The Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy (BERA) is responsible for positioning UNDP as the world’s leading global development network, promoting its global authority and thought leadership on sustainable development and the interconnected issues of poverty, inequality, and climate change. BERA leads and supports UNDP in building and nurturing strategic relationships and alliances essential to achieving its mission. Within BERA, the Advocacy, Marketing and Communications Group leads and manages external communications through strategy, media, digital communications, marketing, branding and global storytelling.

The Advocacy, Marketing and Communications Group (AMCG) leads and manages external communications through strategy, media, digital communications, marketing, branding and global storytelling. In 2021 AMCG launched a successful global campaign on climate and inequality, Don’t Choose Extinction, which continues to run into 2023. The global campaigns team requires an intern to support the team in organizing campaign moments and events, as well as conceptualizing and creating web and social media content for the campaign. The intern will be reporting to the Chief Creative Officer.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Assist in organizing campaign activations, both in terms of content and logistics. Assist in managing meetings with partners leading up to these activations
  • Research and create content for social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok);
  • Manage regular posting schedule on social media platforms
  • Monitor and follow-up on audience engagement and interactions on social media platforms in a timely manner;
  • Produce graphic material to be used on social media platforms;
  • Provide assistance in curating and presenting stories, images and videos

Support the monthly reporting of digital channels' performance by gathering and analyzing main metrics.

Competencies

  • Native English speaker with solid writing and editing skills;
  • Strong ability to multi-task and manage deadlines;
  • Attention to detail is crucial;
  • Responsible, responsive, and enthusiastic;
  • Interest in global issues, climate action and the United Nations;

Must be able to work in a multi-cultural environment and be aware of political sensitivities.

Required Skills and Experience

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
(a) Be enrolled in a graduate school Programme in communications / social media / media;
(b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree Programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent);
(c) Have graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.

Experience:
Strong functional knowledge of social media principles and practices. Web and social media experience are an asset.

Conditions of the Internship

Internships within the UN system are subject to the following conditions, which the candidates should familiarize themselves with prior to applying: 

  • UNDP HQ will provide a stipend in the amount of USD 500 monthly in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP Internship Policy; 

  • Any further costs associated with the internship must be borne by the nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or by the student, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his or her arrangements for travel, accommodation and other costs; 

  • UNDP accepts no responsibility for the medical and life insurance of the intern or costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship. The Intern must provide proof of enrolment in a health insurance plan; 

  • UNDP does not provide assistance with travel and/or housing and the Intern will be responsible for obtaining the necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed; 

  • The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment within the UN System, but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship. The Intern will not be eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of internship or for the six months immediately following the expiration date thereof; 

  • Interns will need to use their own laptop/notebook. A workstation with wireless internet access will be provided at the Centre’s facilities and supervisory support provided by the Centre staff; 

  • Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity. 

  • UNDP only accepts interns for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 6 months. 

Selected candidates must submit following documents prior to joining: 

  • Letter from the university confirming current enrolment and graduation date; 

  • Copy of passport; 

  • A copy of his/her school transcript; 

  • Proof of medical insurance including provision for medical evacuation and removal of mortal remains or life insurance and a medical certificate of good health prior to starting the internship.  

  • A signed UNDP Internship Agreement.