Work Location

Bern

Expected duration

4 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The Universal Postal Union is a United Nations specialized agency with its headquarters in the Swiss capital, Berne. Founded in 1874 and celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2024, it is the primary forum for cooperation between postal sector players and helps to ensure a truly universal network of modern postal products and services. Its primary objective is to encourage the provision of a quality postal service that is accessible to all, and its core mission is to develop social, cultural and commercial communication between peoples. The Communication & Outreach Programme of the Universal Postal Union is responsible for promoting the organization’s work and activities and the global postal sector’s socioeconomic value through a variety of communication vehicles, including a full-colour, quarterly magazine, a bilingual website and various social media channels, as well as videos and other multimedia content. The Programme also manages media relations, provides communication advice and develops strategies for internal clients, and manages public relations programmes such as World Post Day (9 October) and the UPU’s International Letter-Writing Competition for Young People. The Programme regularly welcomes interns, giving them an opportunity to gain valuable and concrete communication experience in an international setting while contributing to the work of the team. Please visit our website (www.upu.int) and visit our social media platforms (X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube) to learn more about the Universal Postal Union. Under the supervision of the Lead Communication and Outreach Expert, the trainee will be required to support the team with the following tasks: – Write articles and features for the magazine Union Postale and the UPU website based on research and face-to-face, video or written interviews with internal and external contacts – Support the team’s collaboration with UPU programmes to develop knowledge products (factsheets, brochures, web texts, blogs etc.) that can help promote the UPU’s work with various stakeholder groups – Propose and prepare content for the UPU’s social media platforms (X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube) – Prepare multimedia content (film and edit video interviews, work with designers to develop social media graphics, take and edit photographs etc.) – Support the execution of the UPU’s 150th anniversary year communications strategy and campaigns – Provide logistical support to events – Support internal communications initiatives in collaboration with the Human Resources Directorate – Assist with daily tasks, including media monitoring and updating communications contacts and media lists Learning objectives: – Increased understanding of communications and advocacy on an international level – Increased understanding and exposure to workings of the UN system – Completion of a body of published work, including with by-lines, that can be included in a professional portfolio – Experience working in a multicultural office setting

Qualifications/special skills

a. Applicants must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements: – Journalism or communication studies or work experience – Good interviewing techniques, analytical skills and creativity – Experience with filming, video and photo editing – Familiarity with social media (X, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram) – Sound understanding of the major digital communication tools, platforms and trends

Languages

Knowledge of additional United Nations languages (Arabic, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, Chinese) is an asset but not considered essential

Additional Information

In line with UPU rules, this traineeship is reserved for STUDENTS, recent graduates in the areas described above are also invited to apply. They must have graduated within six months of the date of this announcement. Any other candidate profile will not be considered. The traineeship will be remunerated in accordance with current UPU Human Resources rules.

Intern Specific text

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. 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.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.