Background

Internships offer graduate-level students the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to UNDP's work. They are designed to complement development-oriented studies with practical experience in various aspects of multilateral technical cooperation, but also complement other international studies

UNDP is the leading global development agency for transformational change. We help empower lives and build resilient nations so that they can withstand crisis and improve the quality of life for everyone.

UNDP partners with people at all levels of society principally with the host Government, the UN System, Civil Society Organisations, Private Sector, Inter-Governmental organisations and Foundations. With offices in more than 170 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations.

UNDP in South Africa is a key partner to the country’s vision of greater prosperity and improved lives. The overarching goal of the strategic partnership between the Government of South Africa and UNDP is to advance South-Africa’s strategic priorities to work for a better South Africa, a better Africa and a better World.

UNDP South Africa programme of support is also consistent with the Government’s New Growth Path to accelerate the implementation of employment creation programmes and schemes.

For the period 2013 - 2017, UNDP South Africa will focus on the following programme areas:

  • Inclusive Growth;
  • Climate Change and Greening South Africa’s Economy;
  • Service Delivery and Democratic Governance;
  • South Africa’s Regional and Global Role;
  • Programme management & monitoring and evaluation.

2 cross cutting areas within all the above programmes, which are significantly important in South Africa, are:

  • Gender Transformation;
  • HIV/AIDS.

The Communication unit is currently seeking an intern who is interested in gaining experience and providing support to this work. The Intern shall report to the Communication Officer, with direct supervision from the Country Director.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Communication Officer, the intern is expected to perform the following tasks:

  • Produce issues-based print stories for the website that communicate UNDP’s results in South Africa;
  • Assist in the production and editing of small in-house videos;
  • Contribute to the development of printed communication materials, including editing images/photos and layout.
  • Update website content;
  • Assist in updating UNDP profiles on social networks (Facebook, YouTube, Twitter) with information about project activities and events
  • Assisting in writing press releases and blog entries;
  • Assist in the organization and updating of photo library and creation of video library;
  • Assist in the creation of a Communications Toolkit;
  • Other task may include: general administrative assistance to the Communications Unit.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

  • Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Demonstrated ability to interact with individuals of different national and cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes the willingness to understand different views and opinions;
  • Able to work in a multicultural environment and be aware of political sensitivity.

Functional Competencies:

  • Analytical and methodological ability to organize ideas, structure texts and write documents;
  • Ability to coordinate multiple and diverse actors or individuals, for the purpose of event and project management;
  • Solid IT and communications abilities - keen interest in web-design and interactive platforms and awareness of Internet communications, marketing and outreach activities;
  • Knowledge of desktop publishing tools, particularly Microsoft Office; knowledge of design programs will be an advantage (e.g. Photoshop, InDesign);
  • Good understanding of standard and emerging web technologies, especially social media tools and channels;
  • Good team worker;
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task.

Knowledge Management:

  • Promote a culture of sharing knowledge and learning in the office;
  • Ability to translate concepts into communication and learning tools.

Operational Competencies:

  • Ability to coordinate workshops or events;
  • Ability to conduct research, mapping and identifying relevant information;
  • Ability to develop learning tools, such as videos, case studies or toolkits;
  • Ability to establish good working relationships with broad set of actors from across the country;
  • Creativity and initiative;
  • Excellent interactive and interpersonal skills (team-player) and the ability to work in a multicultural environment;
  • Ability to work independently and follow-through on project initiatives.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) in Communications, Public Relations or Journalism;
  • Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent) in Communications, Public Relations or Journalism;
  • Have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation in Communications, Public Relations or Journalism.

Experience:

  • Relevant experience in similar positions, public relations, communications or journalism desirable;
  • Experience / skills in managing website content and social media;
  • Experience / skills in writing and editing communication materials and/or publication;
  • Experience in the use of computers and office suites, good knowledge and experience in managing databases in network systems.

Languages:

  • Fluent in English - written and spoken is required.

Conditions:

Financial Aspects:

Interns are not financially remunerated by UNDP;

  • All costs connected with an intern's participation in the Programme must be borne by the nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students;
  • The student will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his/her own arrangements for travel (including to and from the office), visas, accommodation, etc. as necessary.

More information is available at http://www.undp.org/internships/

Interested students must send the following documentation: