As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas: sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience.

The UNDP Representation Office in Brussels focuses on creating awareness about UNDP’s mandate, work and results and on nurturing and promoting the partnership with the EU, one of our partners in over 100 countries worldwide. The office also maintains a strategic partnership with Belgium, one of the key contributors to UNDP’s core budget. Communicating results of the partnership with the EU and Belgium is one of the key priorities of the Brussels Representation Office.

The internship position offers a unique opportunity for insight into UNDP’s work and the chance to gain experience from an international professional environment. As an intern in our team, you will get a unique opportunity to support this mission, learn more about the work of UNDP and about the UN System, partnerships and communications.

Under the overall supervision of the Communications Specialist, the intern shall perform the following tasks:

• Support the development and publishing of communications material through our various channels (website, Twitter and LinkedIn);
• Support the development of social media campaigns showcasing results of the partnership with the EU and Belgium;
• Collect, write and edit content received from Country Offices;
• Collect stories on the results of the partnership from Country Offices and organize the info via the dedicated Trello;
• Create a photo archive on the EU-UNDP partnership;
• Draft and consolidate documents;
• Assist in the organization of conferences, forums, or other collaborative events.

Competencies

• Strong organizational and research skills;
• Excellent analytical, communication and writing skills;
• Strong social media skills; knowledge of web publication tools and photo editing tools is an advantage;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Knowledge of the UN/UNDP and commitment to UN mission and UNDP mandate is an advantage;
• Computer proficiency in standard software applications (MS Office, Excel, Word, Powerpoint);
• Demonstrates integrity and fairness, by modelling the UN/UNDP’s values and ethical standards;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Application process:

Interested applicants must include the following documents when submitting their applications (NB: as only 1 (one) file can be uploaded, please include all documents on a single file):

• Updated CV as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the applicant.
• Motivation letter specifying reasons why applicant is seeking the internship and why the individual considers her/himself as the most suitable applicant for the internship.

The successful applicant will be requested to provide electronic versions of the following documents upon selection:

• Letter from university confirming current enrolment and graduation date and if a graduate, certificate of graduation;
• Letter of recommendation from a professor;
• Copy of most recent school transcript;
• Medical Certificate of Good Health from a recognized physician. If the intern is expected to travel outside the country of their residence, other than to Europe and North America, the physician must indicate whether s/he is to travel and has the required inoculations for the country to which they are to travel;
• Proof of Medical Insurance cover, valid for the duration of the internship programme in Belgium. For applicants who are not resident in Belgium or who are not Belgian nationals, the insurance cover must include adequate coverage in the event of an injury or illness during the internship duration which:

a. Requires transportation to the home country or country of residence for further treatment

b. Results in death and requires preparation and return of the remains to the home country, or country of residence.

• Copy of passport.
• Copy of valid visa for Belgium or valid Belgian residency card if the intern is not an EU citizen.

General conditions:

1. In accordance with the UNDP Internship policy, UNDP interns are eligible to receive a monthly stipend, with a rate that varies depending on the duty location. The stipend will be paid monthly, and part-time internship arrangements are pro-rated accordingly.
2. Where an intern is financially supported by an institution, government or third party, UNDP will pay the intern the difference, if any, between the external financial support provided and the applicable UNDP stipend.
3. Except for the stipend, all other expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring government or institutions.
4. Interns are not considered staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.
5. The purpose of the internship programme is not to lead to further employment with UNDP, but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.