UNCDF Jobs - 80379- Communication & Advocacy Internship (UNCDF)

Communication & Advocacy Internship (UNCDF)

Advertised on behalf of

UNCDF

Location :

New York, USA

Type of Contract :

Internship

Starting Date :

01-Oct-2018

Application Deadline :

17-Aug-18 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Intern

Duration of Initial Contract :

3 Months

Languages Required :

English French Spanish

Expected Duration of Assignment :

6 Months

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. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) makes public and private finance work for the poor in the world’s 47 least developed countries. With its capital mandate and instruments, UNCDF offers “last mile” finance models that unlock public and private resources, especially at the domestic level, to reduce poverty and support local economic development. UNCDF’s financing models work through two channels: financial inclusion that expands the opportunities for individuals, households, and small businesses to participate in the local economy, providing them with the tools they need to climb out of poverty and manage their financial lives; and by showing how localized investments—through fiscal decentralization, innovative municipal finance, and structured project finance—can drive public and private funding that underpins local economic expansion and sustainable development.

By strengthening how finance works for poor people at the household, small enterprise, and local infrastructure levels, UNCDF contributes to SDG 1 on eradicating poverty and SDG 17 on the means of implementation. By identifying those market segments where innovative financing models can have transformational impact in helping to reach the last mile and address exclusion and inequalities of access, UNCDF contributes to a number of different SDGs.

Duties and Responsibilities

The UNCDF Partnerships, Policy and Communications Unit is seeking an intern for an intial period of 3 months, with a possible extension of another 3 months, starting October 2018. Intern will be part of the Partnerships, Policy and Communications Unit, based in UNCDF Headquarters in New York (USA).

Under guidance and supervision of the Communications Specialist, and working closely with the Knowledge Management and Communications Analyst, the Intern will support the implementation of the UNCDF Communications Workplan for 2018, including various related tasks to (i) Communications and Branding and (ii) Knowledge Management.

The reporting officer is committed to providing the intern with the training, guidance and support necessary to complete the below duties and responsibilities effectively and within the internship period. This will include, but not be limited to, scheduled meetings (weekly) to assess output progress, systems training (where required) and completion of required university reports for the purpose of meeting the Degree requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Knowledge Management Analyst, and in close collaboration with the Head of Communications and the Social Media Officer, as well as other colleagues in the Partnerships, Policy and Communications (PPC), the intern will specifically:

Write blogs, feature and success stories about results achieved and efforts pursued under UNCDF projects and programmes in the areas of financial inclusion and local development finance, based on relevant inputs from project/programme managers, partners and donors.
Support the writing, translation, design and production of communication outputs, such as in drafting press releases and publications, and dissemination to UNDP country offices, UNCDF country and regional offices, partners and stakeholders.
Assist in overseeing the content development, expansion and continual assessment of web-based knowledge and information services (i.e. UNCDF Website and Intranet).
Assist in boosting UNCDF’s presence in online communications and social media; provide assistance in maintenance of the UNCDF online platforms including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube channel, Instagram.
Support the development of pro-active communication strategies related to specific UNCDF programmes and initiatives, with a view to enhance programme-specific resource mobilization efforts.
Provide technical support to UNCDF country teams in the development and appropriate use of communication and advocacy tools (i.e. newsletter, websites, posters, brochures, pamphlets) to increase visibility of UNCDF.
Assist the PPC Unit in organizing events, launches of publications, seminars and conferences, global campaigns.

Competencies

Competencies

Core Values/Guiding Principles

Demonstrate consistency in upholding and promoting the values of UNCDF in actions and decisions, in line with the UN Code of Conduct.
Demonstrate an appreciation of the multicultural nature of the organization and the diversity of its staff.
Demonstrate an international outlook, appreciating difference in values and learning from cultural diversity.

Core competencies

Demonstrates strong writing skills, particularly the ability to present persuasive, coherent and well-founded arguments.
Has ability to write in a style that is accessible to a broad audience of policymakers, academics and activists.
Demonstrates drive to achieve results in timely manner and to seek and find solutions to any problems encountered.
Has ability to communicate clearly and persuasively.

Functional Competencies

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 social media platforms and graphic design and photo editing software applications (Adobe Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop).
Knowledge on designing for print and digital media is highly desirable.

Required Skills and Experience

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Candidate must be enrolled in a degree programme in Social Sciences, or International Relations, Development, Journalism, Political Science, Communications, Graphic Design, Marketing or another related field.

Candidate must either be:

Enrolled in graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent or higher).
Enrolled in a university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent)

Additional assignment-specific qualifications:

Solid understanding of international relations and development.

Desirable Skillset & Experience:

Experience in online content development is desirable.
Experience in communications and social media outreach.
Prior experience and knowledge in development issues is highly desirable.
Proficient in using new technologies, web-based platforms and social media networks; familiarity with the Adobe Creative Suite and other design platforms is a plus.
Familiar with financial inclusion and local development finance issues is desirable.
Self-starter; organized; able to multitask and balance multiple responsibilities.

Languages:Fluency in English and either Spanish or French; all three are considered a plus but is not mandatory.

Internship Conditions:

Interns are not financially remunerated by UNCDF. The costs associated with the latter 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/her own arrangements for travel, accommodation, etc. Proof of medical and life/accident insurance valid for the location in which the internship will be carried out (i.e. New York, USA).

Interns must have medical and life insurance and be able to provide insurance proof at the time of their selection.

The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNCDF but to complement an intern’s studies; therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.

Internship Application - Important Information:

In your application, please (i) state in one paragraph why you would like to be considered for the internship, and (ii) indicate your preferred start and end date, as well as your availability (days/hours) within that period. Ideally, interested candidate should be available through March 2019.

Applications should include the form application and a resume. Applicants are welcome to submit any additional work samples or portfolios in one single file, preferably PDF. Please submit your Resume/CV and an application using the UNCDF Internship Application form: http://www.uncdf.org/download/file/127/2509/internshipdoc

Please note that UNDP jobsite system allows only one uploading of application document, so please make sure that you merge all your documents into a single file while submitting.