Duties and Responsibilities
The internal communications internship positions are located in the Communications and External Relations (CER), Office of the Secretary-General, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), based in Geneva, Switzerland. UN internships are unpaid and full-time, requiring interns to work five days a week (40 hours). For in-person internships, candidates must ensure they have valid health insurance coverage in Switzerland for the duration of the internship, along with a valid visa. Interns are responsible for covering all personal costs, including travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and living expenses. These internship positions will be for an initial period of 3 months and will begin on the following dates: 21 October 2024 13 January 2025 7 April 2025 As an intern, you’ll be a key player in helping to shape internal communication strategies. You’ll work closely with Communications Officers gaining hands-on experience in creating and delivering impactful content. Some of the responsibilities include and are not imited to: Enhancing our intranet: Help keep our intranet fresh and engaging, ensuring it’s up-to-date and informative. Improving communication channels: Assist in reviewing and enhancing existing communication tools. Campaign creation: Work on exciting internal campaigns to boost employee engagement. Writing for impact: Collaborate on articles for our internal newsletter, keeping everyone in the loop on organizational updates, policy changes, and key events. Managing content: Help maintain our internal communications calendar, ensuring that messaging is timely, consistent, and aligned with UNCTAD’s priorities. Storytelling: Work with us to share inspiring stories that highlight staff achievements, milestones, and personal profiles. Brand consistency: Ensure a cohesive and professional look across all internal communications. Event support: Get involved in promoting and coordinating events, workshops, webinars, and town halls to ensure everything runs smoothly and engages our teams. More generally, interns shall: 1. Observe all applicable rules, regulations, instructions, procedures and directives of the Organization notwithstanding their status as described in section 5 of the UN Internship Programme Administrative Instructions ST/AI/2020/1. 2. Provide the receiving departments/offices with a copy of all materials prepared by them during the internship. The UN shall be entitled to all propery rights, including but not limited to patents, copyrights and trademarks, with regard to material which bears a direct relation to or is made in consequence of, the services provided under the internship. At the request of the UN, the interns shall assist in securing such property rights and transferring them to the UN in compliance with the requirements of the applicable law. 3. Respect the impartiality and independence required of the UN and of the receiving department/office and shall not seek or accept instructions regarding the services performed under the internship agreement from any Government or from any authority external to the UN; 4. Unless otherwise authorized by the appropriate official in the receiving department/office, they may not communicate at any time to the media or to any institution, person, Government or any other external source any information which has become known to them by reason of their association with the UN or the receiving department/office, that they know or ought to have known has not been made public. They may not use any such information without the written authorization of the appropriate official, and such information may never be used for personal gain. These obligations also apply after the end of the internship with the UN. 5. Refrain from any conduct that would adversely reflect on the UN or on the receiving department/office and will not engage in any activity which is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the UN.
Qualifications/special skills
Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a university-level program (Bachelor’s or higher) in Communications, Public Relations, International Relations, or related fields. Coursework or certifications in artificial intelligence and machine learning for communications are an advantage. For these internship positions the following skills are an asset: ::Familiarity with digital communication tools such as PowerPoint and SharePoint is an advantage. ::Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. ::Understanding of how AI and data analytics can enhance internal communications. ::Ability to work both independently and as part of a diverse, multicultural team. ::Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s or PhD Programme, or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PH.D. Programme. Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage.
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.