Programme Support for Media and Communication Internship null

Your role

Under the overall supervision of the Public Information Officer, the intern will:

• Assist in the creation of communication products on the main issues under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), including those to be released for United Nations international celebration days, through research, and drafting of some basic text;  
• Contribute to the implementation of the social media strategy for the division, including posting on UNBiodiversity social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Linkedln, YouTube, and others) based on directions from the Information Officer and other officers in the division;  
• Assist with the planning and creation of daily social media posts in order to generate engagement among social media followers;
• Monitor the success of social media posts based on analytics, and keep up to date on new social media tools and best practices;  
• Support the organization and preparation of meetings, virtual or other, organized by the Communications Unit, including logistical support and note-taking.  
• Assist in other duties as may be requested, including those of the Executive Secretary.

About you

Qualifications/special skills:

• Applicants to the United Nations internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements: (a) Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or, (b) Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent). (c) Have graduated with a university degree.  
• Be computer literate in standard software applications.  
• Have demonstrated a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter.  
• Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes a willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views. 
• Preferred area of study: Communications, public relations, or journalism, including an advanced degree. 
• Experience in Social sciences, and political science is an asset. Skills in graphic design (video, animation).
• Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required. 
• Applicants must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor's or equivalent), Master’s, or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PH.D. Programme. 

Benefits

An internship at the UN could be the ideal start if you are considering a career in the Organization. It will give you exposure to high-profile conferences, political decision-making, or work on the ground, as well as the opportunity to contribute to the projects and mandates of the United Nations.

• Enhance your educational experience through practical work assignments
• Deepen your knowledge and understanding of the Organization’s goals, principles, and activities
• Work in an international environment, and network with international civil servants, career professionals, and senior management
• Provide the UN with assistance in your area of expertise

Interns are not paid. All costs related to this internship must be borne by the intern. However, full-time employees enjoy remarkable compensation and benefits. See here for more information.

Training & development

From specialized courses to individual coaching, they are always introducing new ways to boost your learning and development. The global and flexible nature of every UN position will allow you to develop your professional interests around the world, as your career progresses.

For example, these three areas of learning are offered:

• Languages classes
• Substantive and soft-skills training
• Leadership workshops

For substantive and soft-skills training, the following are key learning priorities for the Organization:

• Data, Analysis, and Communications
• Innovation and Digital Transformation
• Strategic Foresight
• Performance and Results Orientation
• Behavioral Science
• Partnership
• Climate Action
• Resource Mobilization
• Strategic Communications
• Human-Rights Based Approach
• Crisis Response

Career progression

Your internship will not automatically lead to a job with the UN, but with the experience you have acquired during your time as an intern, you might be interested in applying for General Service or consultancy positions.

If you want to apply to positions at the Professional and Higher or Field Service levels, they ask you to let at least six months pass after the end of your internship before you submit your application and ensure that you fulfill not only the educational but also the work experience requirements that are outlined in each job opening.

Sources

• careers.un.org/payandbenefits?language=en
• careers.un.org/career-development?language=en
• careers.un.org/job-level
• youtube.com/watch?v=kPsWEvzpPMA