Background

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. Volunteerism is a powerful means of engaging people in tackling development challenges, and it can transform the pace and nature of development. Volunteerism benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer by strengthening trust, solidarity and reciprocity among citizens, and by purposefully creating opportunities for participation.

UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for recognition of volunteers, working with partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing an increasing number and diversity of volunteers, including experienced UNV volunteers, throughout the world. UNV embraces volunteerism as universal and inclusive, and recognizes volunteerism in its diversity, as well as the values that sustain it: free will, commitment, engagement and solidarity.

Under the UNV East and Southern Africa Regional Office (Nairobi, Kenya), the UNV Field Unit Burundi is the first entry point for partners wishing to engage with UNV at country level. It offers UNV services and solutions to government partners, UN entities, civil society and the private sector. It conducts scoping and delivers UNV advisory services on volunteer promotion initiatives.?The Field Unit (FU) mobilizes, oversees and facilitates the work of a growing number of national and international UN volunteers in the country in collaboration with host agencies and beneficiary communities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the UN Programme Analyst and support from the UNV Regional Office & HQ Communications Teams, the intern shall work with the UNV Field Unit team to perform, inter alia, the following tasks :

• Engage with the UNV Field Unit team in strategic communications planning and processes that support the organization’s mission, strengthen the visibility of the field unit activities and raise public awareness on volunteer mobilization;
• Design and produce relevant knowledge management products and communication packages;
• Engage with the UNV FU team in writing and disseminating of external-oriented content for the UNV website, social media, newsletters, and other outreach mediums, in line with corporate guidelines;
• Review and edit FU success stories, blogs, etc. in line with corporate guidelines, ensuring they demonstrate UNV’s added value and are ready for publishing and dissemination;
• Monitor and improve communication tools (including communications products and online channels) to ensure clear communication of results and UNV positions on key issues to advance the development agenda;
• Assist the FU team in the organization of key events and communication opportunities, such as conferences, meetings, discussions and reports launch;
• Promote key events and results of the Field Unit;
• Identify sources of information related to volunteerism and development from Districts in the country and facilitate sharing and replication of practices and lessons learned;
• Strong support on administrative tasks
• Participate in meetings and perform other support tasks as required,

Competencies

Corporate Competencies

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback;
• Works collaboratively with team members by sharing information openly and displaying cultural awareness and sensitivity;
• Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external partners;
• Positive and results-oriented attitude.

Technical/Functional Competencies

• Excellent writing and researching skills;
• Strong analytical aptitude, communication and presentation skills;
• Good organizational, time management and strong interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work flexibly and meet tight deadlines;
• Attention to details and ability to work independently and effectively;
• Fluency in both written and spoken English and French (required),
• Demonstrated experience in maintaining social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram…) and using communication tools.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
• High degree of self-motivation and initiative;
• Willingness to learn and apply new analytical approaches.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, or higher or;
• Field of study related to communications, journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, and/or related fields.
• Knowledge in production of advocacy material will be an advantage

Experience:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in communications, media relations and/or advocacy campaigns, using traditional and social media;
• Work experience considered as an asset.
• Sound computer skills and experience using the Internet and web-based applications and content management systems,
• UN or UNDP experience is an asset

Language requirements:

• Fluency in English and French- written and spoken (required)

Availability and duration:

• Availability: Immediate
• Duration: Three to six months

Conditions of the Internship:

• Interns are considered gratis personnel and learners. They are not staff members;
• Interns are not financially remunerated by UNDP. The costs associated must be borne by the nominating institution, related institution or government, or by the intern, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his or her own arrangements for transport, accommodation, etc.

Working Arrangement:

The Intern is expected to report for work in UNV Field Unit where a desk, computer and necessary stationeries will be provided.

Other:

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.

Application procedure:

The application should contain:

• Brief Cover Letter (in English) stating interest in and qualifications for the post and your availability;
• Current and complete CV in English.

Candidates shortlisted for interview must submit the following documents:

• Diploma and other certificates;
• Proof of medical and life/accident insurance valid for the location in which the internship will be carried out. Selected intern must have medical and life insurance.