Background

Volunteerism is one of the most vital delivery mechanisms for social, environmental and economic transformation, ensuring a lasting impact with its ability to change people’s mindsets, attitudes and behaviours. People become actors of change and equal partners in the attainment of local, national and international progress towards sustainable human development and global peace.

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme recognizes the shared universal values underpinning volunteerism – free will, commitment, equity, engagement, solidarity, compassion, empathy and respect for others. Since its establishment in 1970, UNV has enabled thousands of volunteers around the globe to contribute to advancing human development and fostering progress towards a better world.
 
Kenya has the largest number of UN Volunteers globally in a development setting and was one of the leading pilot countries in the world that mobilized Peace Monitors during election period in 2013, this under a UNDP administered project. As of December 2018, the total number of UN Volunteers assigned to Kenya was 230, with the number rapidly growing.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the UNV Program Analyst, the UNV Data and Communications Intern provides general administrative support services to the UNV unit to maintain optimum daily client services with UN Volunteers in a large country office. The UNV intern will assist in the following duties:

  • Assist with developing and editing multimedia projects, such as original video, photography, graphic design and publication layout
  • Assist with drafting, copyediting and production of written content and materials for a range of audiences and media
  • Assist with updating and maintaining the UNV Country social media platforms
  • Assist with keeping an updated media and communication focal and partners contact lists;
  • Assist in organizing and documenting UNV corporate events in the county, including International Volunteer Day events
  • Assist in dissemination and distributing of digital and print communication materials and information across UNV’s internal communications channels
  • Compile and edit quarterly data snapshots
  • Support the implementation of regional communications strategy
  • Support the preparation of media tools and messaging in preparation of regional events and activities
  • Assist the FU in the writing, editing, and disseminating periodic reports
  • Any related tasks assigned.
     

Competencies

Specific competencies

  • Communication - speaks and writes clearly and effectively;
  • Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
  • Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
  • Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals

Corporate Competencies

  • Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
  • Advocates and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNV;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Treats all people fairly without favouritism.
     

Required Skills and Experience

Required Skills and Experience

  • A first degree in Communications or related field;
  • Working knowledge and experience with Adobe Suite
  • Photography and videography skills

Education
Applicants for the UNV internship must - at the time of application - be enrolled in the final academic year, have graduated and be within one-year of graduation of any of the hereunder of first university degree programmes - Bachelors or Masters degree – in the fields of Communications


Language

  • Fluency in English with excellent drafting skills;
  • Knowledge of any other official UN-language is an advantage.


Status

  • Interns are considered gratis personnel. They are not staff members.
  • Interns may not be sought or accepted as substitutes for staff to be recruited against authorized posts.
  • Interns may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.


Third-party claim
UNDP is not responsible for any claims by any parties where the loss of or damage to their property, death or personal injury was caused by the actions or omission of action by the interns during their internship.


Interns’ Expenses
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, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his/her own arrangements for travel (including to and from the office), visas, accommodation, etc.


Insurance
UNDP accepts no responsibility for the medical and life insurance of the intern or costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship. As interns are not covered under any insurance, including MAIP, they should not travel to hazardous locations during their internship with UNDP.
Applicants for internship must show proof of valid medical and life/accident insurance for the duty station for which they will work. It must include adequate coverage in the event of an injury or illness during the internship which:

  • Requires transportation to the Place of official Residence, Home Country or Country of Residence for further treatment; or
  • Results in death and requires preparation and return of the remains to the Place of official Residence the Home Country, or Country of Residence.


UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Female candidates, individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.