News Writing / Reporting - Public Information Intern null

Your role

Duties and responsibilities:

The internship is located within the French Language Unit, UN News Section I of the News and Media Division, Department of Global Communications. Their unit produces news and feature stories across multimedia platforms, encompassing radio, video, photography, and the web. This internship spans two (2) months initially, with a potential extension of up to six (6) months, subject to departmental needs. It is a full-time, unpaid position requiring interns to work five days per week (35 hours), primarily in person under the direct supervision of the Chief of the French Unit, UN News Section I.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Drafting French News Articles: Create news articles in French by synthesizing and translating information from diverse sources such as reports, press releases, official statements, and resolutions.
• Proofreading: Assist in proofreading news articles before and after publication to ensure accuracy and adherence to UN editorial standards.
• Fact-Checking and Research: Support fact-checking efforts and conduct background research as needed for news production.
• Multimedia Content Production: Contribute to the production of graphic, visual, and audio content to enhance news delivery.
• Feature Stories Development: Develop feature stories by conducting research, interviews, and drafting compelling narratives.
• Partnership Database Review: Collaborate with the UN Partnerships Unit to review and update the partnerships database, identifying potential new digital media and fact-checking partners.
• Other Duties: Perform additional tasks as assigned, which may include outreach activities and administrative support.

This internship offers a hands-on opportunity to gain practical experience within the UN newsroom, focusing on daily news production, feature story development, and multimedia content creation in French.

About you

Educational Background Requirements

Applicants must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school programme in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, English, or translation studies (second university degree or equivalent, or higher). Alternatively, applicants can be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree programme in these fields (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent).

Qualification Requirements

Candidates must be computer literate in standard word processing and spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Word and Excel. They should have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter. Additionally, applicants must possess the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, demonstrating tolerance and understanding of differing opinions and views.

Additional Requirements

A completed online application, including a Cover Note and Personal History Profile, is mandatory. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants must list their IT skills and programmes they are proficient in, indicate their top three areas of interest, explain why they are the best candidates for the internship, and outline their interest in the United Nations Internship Programme.

Additional Information: Visa and Work Authorization Requirements

The United Nations does not financially remunerate interns. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. For internships in the United States of America, interns who are not United States citizens, permanent residents, or not currently in the United States on a nonimmigrant visa status will be required to obtain a G-4 visa. If already in the United States of America on another non-immigrant visa status other than G-4, interns will be responsible for ensuring that they have a valid visa, and if required, employment authorization, allowing them to undertake the internship.

Terms of the Internship Programme:

Interns are not required to have professional work experience. They must be enrolled in the final year of a first university degree programme (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s or Ph.D. Programme, or have completed such a programme. Interns are expected to utilize their training, education, coursework, or skills to benefit the United Nations during the internship.

Languages:

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For the advertised internship, fluency in Chinese is required. Knowledge of another official language of the United Nations (Arabic, French, Russian and Spanish) or Portuguese, Kiswahili or Hindi is desirable.

Intern-specific text:

The United Nations does not financially remunerate interns. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

Benefits

This internship is unpaid in person and full-time.

If you join as a full-time employee, you will get the following benefits:

• Holidays and leave
• Health insurance
• Retirement pension
• Tax exemption
• Allowances
• Contribute to impactful global initiatives and work towards promoting peace, security, and human rights worldwide.

Training & development

During this internship, interns can develop skills in French news drafting, multimedia content creation, fact-checking, and feature story development, fostering a comprehensive understanding of UN communication practices.

Career progression

At the United Nations, interns gain practical experience by engaging in meaningful work across various fields and contributing to the UN's mission of promoting peace, sustainable development, and human rights. With a strong focus on mentorship and professional development, the program equips interns with the skills and knowledge necessary for future career advancement within the organization and other organizations.

How to apply

Application Process 

Applicants must provide complete and accurate information regarding their profile and qualifications as per the instructions in Inspira. No modifications or revisions are allowed once applications are submitted. Candidates under serious consideration will undergo reference checks.

Sources

The following sources were used in researching this page:

• careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx
• youtube.com/unitednations
• careers.un.org/payandbenefits