Background

The UN in Ukraine internship programme offers an outstanding graduate-level students and recent graduates from diverse academic backgrounds the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to the development issues and a first-hand impression of the day-to-day working environment in United Nation’s office in Ukraine. It is designed to complement development-oriented studies with practical experience in various professional aspects. Interns are not financially remunerated by UN in Ukraine.

The UN Resident Coordinator is a designated representative of the Secretary-General and aims to bring together different resident and non-resident UN agencies, funds and programmes to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operational activities at a country level. Working closely with national governments, Resident Coordinators advocate for the interests and mandates of the UN while drawing on the support and guidance of the entire United Nations family.

The important role of the RC in responding to national needs and priorities will include supporting the Government’s efforts for a coordinated, multidisciplinary response aimed at implementation and monitoring of assistance strategies and programmes.

Objective of the internship: Based in Kyiv, the intern is expected to assist the UN Public Information Officer in the Resident Coordinator’s office in Ukraine to develop and strengthen the whole range of communications activities, focusing on media and social media campaigns around the launch of public reports, International Days and other relevant dates.   The intern will obtain an excellent opportunity to deepen his/her knowledge about the UN operations in Ukraine, communications strategy on social and sensitive issues.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Public Information Officer, the intern’s duties include, but are not limited to: 

  • Assist in developing a content for UN in Ukraine official accounts on Facebook and Instagram;
  • Prepare and edit (using photo- and video-editing software) multimedia materials, and aimed at raising awareness about United Nation’s activities;  
  • Conducting media and social media monitoring;
  • Support in developing  of content that can support efforts to promote the SDGs;
  • Cooperate with UN Agencies, to collect photos and feature stories from them for FB, Instagram and Newsletters; 
  • Assist in drafting, editing and/or translation of articles, feature stories, captions for photo galleries and other types of materials about UN activities or relevant issues; 
  • Maintain database of contacts (including media, external counterparts, donors, government and NGO partners);  
  • Support in organization of SDG-related activities, particularly to support accelerating implementation through publicprivate cooperation (conferences, lectures and quests);
  • Other tasks as required.

Impact of Results:

  • The key results will have an impact on the implementation of UN in Ukraine communication strategy, its visibility; frequency and quality of posts in social media.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

  • Demonstrates keen interest in the work of the UN in Ukraine;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional 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; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
  • Teamwork. Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;
  • Understanding of UN mandates and specifics of activities;
  • Ability to handle a large volume of work possibly under time constraints;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude, pro-activity;
  • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
  • Diplomatic skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Enrolled student of graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) in Journalism, Communication, Media, International relations, Political science, Law or related field;
  • Enrolled student in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent) in Journalism, Communication, Media, International relations, Political science, Law or related field; or
  • Graduate student within one-year of graduation of any of the above.

Experience:

  • Intermediate photography and/or filming skills;
  • No professional work experience is required for participation in the Internship Programme.  

Language Requirements:

  • Fluency in spoken and written English, Ukrainian and Russian is required for the internship. 
  • Translation skills are an asset.

Application Procedure

Applicants for internships must submit the following documentation:

  • UN Internship Application form;
  • Copy of the most recent CV in English;
  • Letter of motivation;
  • Letter from his/her University confirming current enrollment and graduation date, if applicable, or copy of a Diploma for graduate students;
  • Copy of a school transcript;

Endorsement letter or letter of reference from a faculty member.