UNCDF Jobs - 81855- Communications Internship Opportunity with Partner

Communications Internship Opportunity with Partnerships, Policy and Communications Team (UNCDF) – General Call for 2019 Applications

Advertised on behalf of

UNCDF

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

Internship

Starting Date :

02-Jan-2019

Application Deadline :

31-Dec-19 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Intern

Duration of Initial Contract :

3 months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

with a possible extension of another 3 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

IMPORTANT NOTE: General Call for 2019 Internship Applications: This is a general call for internships throughout 2019.We accept applications from interested and qualified applicants, on an ongoing basis for this Communications Internship at our New York Headquarters.

Interested Candidates can apply at any time indicating the timeframe of their availability in the internship form. However, only those candidates selected for interviews/further assessment by hiring managers will be contacted on ongoing basis.

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.

UNCDF is seeking an intern to be part of the Partnerships, Policy and Communications Unit (PPC) in its Headquarters located in New York, United States. Working under the guidance and supervision of the Head of PPC, and working closely with PPC staff, the intern will support the ongoing workplan and goals of the unit, including but not limited to expanding partnerships; supporting and improving communications efforts, including on social media; preparing policy briefs for high level meetings; supporting the launch of major initiatives on blended finance and enterprises in Africa; and building and maintaining a base of knowledge about Member States.

The internship manager 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 any necessary Degree requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Head of Partnerships, Policy and Communications PPC Unit, and in close collaboration with other colleagues in the PPC Unit, 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.
Draft policy briefs ahead of meetings of the Executive Secretary;
Draft/update country briefs about key donor countries detailing their development policies and foreign policy priorities;
Assist in boosting UNCDF’s presence in online communications and social media; provide assistance as required in the maintenance of the UNCDF online platforms including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube channel, Instagram.
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.
Support colleagues across the agency on issues including but not limited to blended finance; impact investing; development finance; or support to Least Developed Countries;

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

Education:

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

Applicants to the UNCDF 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);
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.

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.
Experience writing analytical pieces on foreign policy, development issues, development finance is desirable.
Prior experience with the multilateral system is 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.
Self-starter; organized; able to multitask, balance multiple responsibilities, and work to deadline.

Languages:

Fluency in English required. Fluency in French very desirable; knowledge of other UN languages will be considered a plus.

Internship Conditions:

UNCDF Internship programme is governed by the UNDP Internship policy framework.
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.

Application:

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 timeframe (3 or 6 months).
Please submit your Resume/CV and an application using the UNCDF Internship Application form: http://www.uncdf.org/download/file/127/2509/internshipdoc
Applications should include the application form and a resume. Applicants are welcome to submit any additional work samples or portfolios in one single file, preferably PDF.
Please note that the UNDP jobsite system allows only one uploading of application document, so please make sure that you merge all your documents (CV/Resume, cover letter etc into a single file before uploading).

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a general call for internships throughout 2019.We accept applications from interested and qualified applicants, on an ongoing basis for this Communications Internship at our New York Headquarters.