Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Georgia offers selected outstanding university students an internship opportunity in the Communications Unit.
The UNDP internship programme is open to national and international interns in June – December 2017 and can accommodate several candidates based on their academic requirements, availability and the needs of the UNDP Country Office. The assignments may vary in length starting from 6 weeks to 6 months. 
The UNDP internship programme provides a practical insight into the United Nations system, compact understanding of UNDP's development policies, thematic priorities and technical cooperation activities, as well as the hands-on experience in strategic communications. Interns specialize in communicating complex development issues in the areas of democratic governance, sustainable environment, poverty reduction, human security and other activities related to sustainable human development.
The purpose of the internship programme is not to lead to further employment with UNDP but to complement an intern's studies or provide additional job market experience. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of Internship. Interns cannot apply for posts during the period of Internship.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the UNDP Georgia Communications Analyst, Interns will be expected to perform an array of duties that support UNDP’s strategic communication in Georgia. These tasks include but are not limited to:

  • Engagement in the implementation of the communications and advocacy strategies aiming to increase UNDP’s public standing in Georgia;
  • Assistance in developing and implementing targeted short-term communications strategies and workplans aiming to increase public awareness about the selected topics of interest;
  • Assistance at public events such as press conferences and presentations;
  • Assistance in developing photo and video reports, success stories and articles;
  • Assistance in managing content of the UNDP Georgia’s public website;
  • Assistance in maintaining UNDP Georgia’s social media profile;
  • Assistance in designing and preparing promotion packages, including for print and electronic advocacy materials and publications;
  • Logistical support to the UNDP Georgia’s Communications Unit.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

  • Commitment to the UN values and principles;
  • Demonstrated interest to the UNDP mission, vision and values;
  • Demonstrated interest to sustainable development in Georgia;
  • Cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:

  • Excellent written and spoken English;
  • Excellent written communication skills. Experience in writing stories and articles will be an asset;
  • Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office applications);
  • Multimedia skills – photo and video reporting will be an asset;
  • Social media management skills will be an asset;
  • Excellent interactive and interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multicultural environment.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Degree programme in a development and communications-related field such as Liberal Arts, Social Studies, Political Studies, Journalism or Public Relations.

Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

  • Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
  • Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent);
  • 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.

The UNDP internship programme aims to provide additional learning opportunities. Therefore, interns are not required to necessarily have a specific professional background. However, some experience in the following areas will be an asset:

  • Public outreach, communications and advocacy campaigns;
  • Writing for the media and web;
  • Social media management;
  • Photography and film-making;
  • Previous experience with the United Nations and/or international development organizations would be desirable but not obligatory.

Language:

  • Excellent written and spoken English.

Conditions:

  • UNDP internship programme does not provide a salary or remuneration for the internship;
  • All the expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring Government or institution;
  • UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
  • The intern is responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed;
  • Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship;
  • Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity;
  • 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;
  • The intern will be evaluated at the end of the contract and due recognition of work will be issued in writing.

In case an applicant is successfully selected, s/he will be requested to provide electronic versions of the following documents:

  • Copy of the applicant’s most recent resume or curriculum vitae;
  • Letter from his/her university confirming current enrolment and graduation date;
  • Letter of recommendation from a professor;
  • Copy of his/her school transcript;
  • Copy of passport;
  • Completed UNDP internship application form (to be provided upon selection);
  • Signed UNDP Internship Agreement (to be provided upon selection);
  • Medical Certificate of Good Health (to be provided upon selection);
  • Proof of medical insurance (to be provided upon selection).