UNDP Jobs - 81811- Communications Assistant -Internship

Communications Assistant -Internship

Location :

Colombo, SRI LANKA

Type of Contract :

Internship

Starting Date :

12-Nov-2018

Application Deadline :

05-Nov-18 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Intern

Duration of Initial Contract :

6 months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organisation that supports sustainable human development globally through the promotion of volunteerism, including the mobilisation of volunteers. It values free will, commitment, engagement and solidarity which are the foundations of volunteerism.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Assistant and Programme Analyst [PA], the intern will be expected to provide support to the communication functions of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Country Office Team.
The candidate is expected to work on a daily basis with colleagues in the UNV COT, and regularly with UNDP, UNV/HQ Bonn, UN Communications Group, UNVs, Key Stakeholders, volunteers and the general public.

United Nations interns are not paid. All costs related to travel, insurance, accommodation, and living expenses must be borne by either the interns or their sponsoring institutions.
The specific tasks are outlined below:

Assist with the preparation and production of communication material, including press releases, fast facts brochures, newsletters, publications and reports.
Assist with the social media coverage of project activities whilst updating UNV Sri Lanka social media on a regular basis.
Support the work of the United Nations Communications Group (UNCG) in Sri Lanka including conducting of events in collaboration with the UN Communications Group.
Assist with the implementation of the UNV Sri Lanka Communication and Advocacy Strategies towards strengthening the presence of UNV Sri Lanka both online and offline.
Assist in the coordination of outreach activities.
Assist in planning and implementing new initiatives.
Respond to queries regarding the UNV programme in general and in Sri Lanka.
Support the collection of volunteer stories.
Identify and assist in the production of new communications vehicles for UNV Sri Lanka, including videos and stories of UN Volunteers.
Assist in developing partnerships and network with journalists, bloggers, local media, service providers, local innovators, private sector, youth-led and volunteer-involving organizations.
Support the preparation of written content for communication and knowledge products ensuring high editorial quality.
Track effectiveness of the communications campaign drafting monthly reports.
Keep abreast of news and trends at local and global level aiming at bringing digital innovation ideas into the organization.
Support in organizing all UNV related events.
Assist the UNV COT with any other duties that may be assigned.
Perform other related tasks and responsibilities as requested.

Competencies

Proactive
Ability and willingness to operate independently
Team Player
Excellent writing skills
Quick learner
Able to facilitate activities.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Photoshop and other content creation platforms.
Firm understanding of social media platforms and their use in communications and advocacy.
Inter-personal skills including: Communication and listening skills; Multi-cultural awareness and cultural competency; Conflict and stress management.
Volunteering-related skills including: Leadership; civic responsibility; and engagement and active participation.

Required Skills and Experience

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); in the field of communications, public relations, languages, journalism or equivalent;
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.

Additionally:

Persons in the development-related fields, preferably with a focus on Development Studies, International Relations, Law, Economics, Peace and Conflict Studies, Social Sciences, or any other related field.
Excellent command of written and spoken English required and proficiency in Sinhala and/or Tamil will be an advantage
Ability to think and work logically and work precisely with attention to detail
Ability to write clearly and concisely
Initiative, sound judgment and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members of different national and cultural backgrounds.
Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, interpersonal).