Background

The United Nations Development Programme works in nearly 170 countries to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. With annual budget of US$5 billion, it is the largest development services provider in the UN system. UNDP works with a wide range of partners, including governments, multilateral institutions such as the international financial institutions, the European Commission, civil society, the private sector, foundations, academia and media. 

The Strategy and Innovation Unit in the Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy of UNDP in New York is interested in enrolling a Graphic Design intern. The intern will assist the unit’s creative content development and private sector outreach efforts. This is the opportunity for a design graduate student to create innovative marketing communication products in a UN agency present in more than 160 countries. 

Duties and Responsibilities

The interested candidate will assist the Strategy and Innovation Unit in:

  • Designing eBook to support and promote the private sector resource mobilization toolkit

  • Assisting in the maintenance of the online toolkits and portals and design of brochures, reports, one pagers, fast facts and infographics;

  • Contributing with creative ideas to reach and engage different private sector audiences;

  • Conceptualizing and creating presentation materials for different media;

Competencies

  • Proficient in main graphic design and photo editing software (Adobe Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop);

  • Solid knowledge on designing for print and digital media;

  • Ability to convert complex and abstract ideas into simple visual concepts;

  • Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task;

  • Must be able to work in a multicultural environment and be aware of political sensitivities;

  • Familiarity with main social media platforms

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • 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) such as Graphic Design, Marketing, Communications or related field; or 

    •  have graduated with a university degree in fields such as Graphic Design, Marketing, Communications or related field, and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation

Experience:

  • Proficient in main graphic design and photo editing software (Adobe Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop);

  • Solid knowledge on designing for print and digital media;

  • Previous related work experience in a national or an international entity would be an asset but is not required;

  • Experience with Microsoft SharePoint an asset

Language:

  • Proficiency in written and spoken English

Benefits of Internship

  • Access to open events and brown bag lunches at UNDP and UN;

  • Opportunities to participate in campaigns or events towards SDGs;

  • Networking opportunities with UN staff and other Interns in the UN System;

  • Collaboration with UNDP Communications department as necessary

Availability

It is desirable that candidates are available 3 days a week with a minimum of 18 hours per week.

Conditions

UNDP may accept interns provided the following conditions are met:

  • Interns are not financially remunerated by UNDP;

  • The costs associated 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 own arrangements for travel, accommodation, visa, etc.;

  • 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 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.

Once the candidate has been selected, the following additional documents need to be submitted:

  • Copy of updated CV/resume;

  • Official letter from University confirming enrollment in graduate program & graduation date;

  • Copy of school transcript;

  • Letter of endorsement from a senior faculty member who has directly supervised the student in the recent past and who is fully acquainted with the student's performance;

  • A brief cover letter setting out the reasons why he/she is seeking an internship with UNDP and what is expected from the experience;

In addition, selected candidate will need to: