Communications & Social Media – Public Information Intern (Jul 2024)

Your role

This internship announcement is valid for two (2) candidates who will intern in the Visitors Services Section. Visitors Services is part of the Outreach Division, Department of Global Communications in New York City, which engages and educates people and their communities worldwide to encourage support for the ideals and activities of the United Nations. The Visitors Services Section interfaces directly with the general public to offer guided tours of UN Headquarters in New York, briefings with UN expert speakers, and a Public Inquiries counter where visitors can obtain information materials and ask questions.

Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual's background, the Unit to which he/she is assigned, and the period during which he/she undertakes the internship.

Interns' responsibilities may include:

• They are assisting with planning and organizing outreach activities to educate the public about the UN's work.
• They are providing support for the organization of guided tours, briefings, and events.
• Researching UN thematic issues.
• Providing general office support (drafting correspondence and other communications, setting up and maintaining files/records and databases, organizing meetings, etc.).
• Assisted with taking photographs and videos to promote visitors' services.
• Assisting with drafting media content for the Visitors Services Facebook and Twitter accounts.
• Responding to visitors' queries in person and in writing.
• Assisting with developing, implementing, and analysing surveys on visitors' experience.
• Performing other duties as required.

This internship is designed to be full-time and in-person in New York but can be adjusted based on the request of the successful candidate. The expected Duration is 4 - 6 months (6 months preferable); the desired start date is July 2024. Full-time interns work five days a week (35 hours) and part-time interns work less than 34 hours a week. This is under the supervision of a staff member in the Unit(s) within the Visitors Services Section to which they are assigned, although they also support the operation as a whole.

About you

Educational background requirements

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent).
• Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher).
• Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience; however, a field of study that is related to the type of internship 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.
• Good knowledge of standard software applications, especially MS Word and MS PowerPoint, is required.

Qualification requirements

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

Additional requirements

Interns will need to provide all necessary hardware (computer), software and internet connection in case of performing the internship. This job opening is generic and further notice about any non-selections will not be issued due to the nature of the advertisement. 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.

Additional information: Visa and work authorization requirements

The United Nations must ensure all applicants for an internship, regardless of citizenship are authorized to work in the country where the internship will be undertaken. Before resuming an internship, the applicant must submit proof of visa and/or work authorization. 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

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.

Languages:

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this internship. Knowledge of another official language of the United Nations is an advantage.

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

Training & development

Throughout the internship, interns can learn and gain valuable skills by assisting with planning and organizing outreach activities, supporting guided tours and events, researching UN thematic issues, and providing general office support. You will gain experience in media content creation, responding to visitor queries, conducting surveys, and performing other duties as required.

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

A completed online application is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. In your motivational statement:

• Please explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme.
• Please explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship.
• Please indicate when you would like to start and end your internship.

Sources

The following sources were used in researching this page:

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