Public Information Intern null

Your Role

This internship is located in the Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD), Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The Division seeks to strengthen international cooperation for social development, particularly in the areas of poverty eradication, productive employment, and decent work, as well as the social inclusion of older persons, youth, families, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and persons marginalized from society and development. The intern will work under the supervision of and report to the Public Information Officer in the Programme Planning and Coordination Unit (PPCU). The intern will assist the Programme Planning and Coordination Unit/DISD/DESA in its internal and external communication outreach efforts, which include the following:

• Produce multimedia news content (event coverage, interviews, video messages, etc.) for the web portal and social media networks
• Attend events/meetings/seminars and provide in-depth insights about the results through writing, editing, and publishing news stories and articles
• Draft and update online content for the web portal and social media networks including preparing engaging entries for social media platforms
• Provide assistance in preparing public information materials, including presentations, event concept notes, flyers, and video production coordinating with Outreach Focal Points
• Research and monitor a wide range of UN developments and news sources, including press releases, statements, news conferences, briefings, and meetings related to social development issues
• Monitor social media activities to ensure effective engagement with audiences
• Track various knowledge-sharing mechanisms, such as online knowledge-sharing platforms, internal communication groups, topical conferences, etc., and report on key developments, news, or events relevant to DISD
• Monitor the impact of online content including recommendations on the development and use of new tools to attract new fans
• Evaluate results and impact of communications activities
• Perform other related duties as required.

About the Internship:

• This internship is designed to be full-time.
• Duties will be carried out in a hybrid manner (a combination of in-person presence and telecommuting from within the duty station at the UN Headquarters in New York).
• Telecommuting from outside the duty station may be considered on an exceptional basis.
• A part-time schedule may be considered on a very exceptional basis depending on the individual situation of the selected candidate.
• The internship will begin with an initial duration of 2 months, with the opportunity of an extension for up to a total of 6 months. 
• The expected start date is 1 October 2024.

About You

Qualifications/special skills:

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher)
• Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent)
• 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.
  • 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.
• Ability to draft news articles and/or social media posts in desirable.

Languages:

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

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.

Compensation & Benefits

This internship is unpaid, full-time. If you join as a full-time employee, you will get the following benefits:

• Tax exemption
• Allowances and benefits
• Holidays and leave
• Health insurance
• Retirement pension

Training & Development

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. You can apply for any internship around the world, regardless of nationality.

As an intern, you will:

• 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
• Participate in tasks such as drafting documents, analysis of data, research, organization of conferences or events, work on media campaigns and outreach, and much more.

Career Progress

UN 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.

Source

The following sources were used in researching this page:

• careers.un.org/payandbenefits
• careers.un.org/job-level
• youtu.be/q6TKu-eRIhY?si=bNexYYY9fxpUL752