Background

UNDP's Regional Bureau for Europe and Central Asia (RBEC) covers 18 countries and territories. The Bureau consists of headquarters in New York, country offices and its Regional Centre in Istanbul, Turkey.  RBEC HQ in New York is responsible for liaising with all New York-based UN entities, Permanent Missions to the UN and other partners of UNDP. It works closely with the Regional Centre in Istanbul and provides support and oversight of UNDP offices across the region.

The regional Communications team is tasked with supporting UNDP’s positioning and thought leadership in the region and globally; supporting donor visibility, resource mobilization and partnerships; and increasing the effectiveness of UNDP’s advocacy efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Regional Communications Specialist based in New York, the intern for communications will be responsible for producing content and maintaining the regional directorate’s online presence (social media, e-mail newsletter), including additional media and graphic design tasks as necessary.

The intern will specifically be:

  • Producing and curating content that reflects the RBEC Directorate’s communications priorities and key messages
  • Sourcing, editing and formatting photos and videos as supporting visuals.  
  • Monitoring and moderating social media engagement in close cooperation with the Regional Communications Specialist
  • Supporting the Regional Communications Specialist with new approaches and strategies to social media and e-mail marketing engagement.
  • Actively liaising with communications teams in Istanbul’s regional hub and country offices to ensure coherent alignment with the region’s communications priorities.

Competencies

The intern must be a resourceful self-starter who thrives in a rapidly evolving context and will be able to work effectively in a demanding work environment. He/she will possess excellent attention to detail, follow through, and demonstrate advanced writing skills. Candidates with a strong interest and/or experience in international affairs and digital marketing are highly preferred.

At a minimum, the candidate should be proficient in using Twitter and creating e-mail newsletters. He/she ideally possesses digital media skills, including creating effective, persuasive online and social media content and visual assets on Canva/Photoshop. The candidate must be fluent in English, especially written. 

The intern will generally adhere to the Eastern Standard workday, 9 -5 p.m.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions in accessing IT resources, the intern must be able to provide his/her own computer for the duration of the assignment. Should the UNDP’s COVID-19 restrictions lift during the assignment, it may be possible to arrange for UNDP’s central IT department to provide a laptop for work use.

Core Values/Guiding Principles

  • Demonstrate consistency in upholding and promoting the values of UNDP 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 policy and development expertise 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 (Canva / Photoshop).

 

Required Skills and Experience

This is a paid ‘virtual’ assignment, and due to COVID-19 UNDP’s standard practice of ‘hosting’ interns in our physical office is suspended temporarily. 

Undergraduate and graduate students close to their final year of study (graduating May 2021 or May 2022) are welcome to apply.

Applicants should submit a resume that details their relevant work and educational experiences and cover letter stating their interests, qualifications, and any constraints on availability. Applicants are also invited to submit a writing sample or examples that showcase their ability or interest in the subject matter or desired skill set.

All documents should be together in one PDF file as the system will only allow one attachment.

Note:  Candidate should be available through mid-September 2021.

Applications should include the Form application and a Resume. Applicants are welcome to submit any additional work samples or portfolios in one file, preferably PDF.

Education: 

Candidate must be enrolled in a degree programme in 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 the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent);
  • Have recently 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.

Experience: 

  • Experience in communications and social media outreach.
  • Proficient in using new technologies, web-based platforms and social media networks; familiarity with the photo and video editing tools and other design platforms is a plus.
  • Self-starter; organized; able to multitask and balance multiple responsibilities.

Languages:

  • Fluency in English is required.
  • Knowledge of other UN languages will be considered a plus.

General Internships Terms & Conditions:

  • The Internship programme is governed by the UNDP Internship Policy Framework & Rules.
  • UNDP will provide a modest monthly internship stipend to its interns, in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP Internship Policy. All expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern or her/his sponsoring entity/institution. Stipends are available only for full-time internships at this time.
  • Selected Interns must be able to share proof of education enrolment and/ or graduation, medical/ health and life/accident insurance, valid for the location in which the internship will be carried out and be able to provide insurance documentary proof at the time of their selection.
  • The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNDP but to complement an intern’s studies and learning growth.
  • There is no expectation of employment at the end of these internships.