Communications Assistant - Intern

About United Nations University

For the past four decades, UNU has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on the pressing global problems of human survival, conflict prevention, development, and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 13 countries, UNU’s work spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe.

For more information, please visit http://unu.edu.

About United Nations University Centre For Policy Research (UNU-CPR)

United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR) in New York is one of 13 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-CPR combines research excellence with deep knowledge of the multilateral system to generate innovative solutions to current and future global public policy challenges.

Description Of Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Head of Communications, the Communications Assistant will:

• Assist in the editing of articles, publications, and other materials to ensure accuracy and clarity, and consistency with UNU-CPR’s style guide.
• Liaise with and oversee the work of external vendors (editors, writers, designers) to check quality and ensure that work is delivered on time.
• Create new and interesting content to promote UNU-CPR’s research, including blogs and web content, print material, and audio-visual material.
• Perform administrative and other duties assigned by UNU-CPR’s Head of Communication.
• Monitor the impact of UNU-CPR communications through key indicators (web, media, social media) and the development of monthly reports.
• Plan and implement the regular dissemination of UNU-CPR content via social media channels (LinkedIn and Twitter) and identify opportunities to maximize engagement with online target audiences.
• Develop and continually update a web/social media content calendar and monitor policy developments and news related to UNU-CPR’s research that can feed into communications products and dissemination strategies.
• Support the planning of UNU-CPR events (in-person and online).
• Continually update the new UNU-CPR website (due to be launched this summer) and ensure that new publications are uploaded to UNU Collections (UNU’s information repository).

Learning objectives

• Gaining exposure to the research and related work of UNU and UNU-CPR and gaining an understanding of the potential solutions and innovations that are driving change across the UN system.
• Synthesizing, summarizing and repackaging research into attractive and innovative communication products.
• Planning and implementing engaging communication activities and strategies tailored to the interests and needs of target audiences within and outside of the United Nations.
• Developing a familiarity with the United Nations system and an awareness and knowledge of issues that are of critical importance to the United Nations, its Member States, and the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Competencies

Values:

• Inclusion - Take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity.
• Humility - Demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others.
• Humanity - Act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet.
• Integrity - Act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards.

Behaviours:

• Adapt and Innovate - Demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways
• Analyse and Plan - Seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
• Deliver Results with Positive Impact - Hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
• Connect and Collaborate - Build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
• Learn and Develop - Pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others

You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.

Education:

• Be in your final year of undergraduate study or enrolled in a graduate degree programme or is within the two-year post-graduation (maximum) from either a bachelors’, masters’ or PhD degree programme.
• University studies in one of the following disciplines: journalism, communications, development, economics, international relations, peace and security, or other relevant subjects is required.

Language:

• Excellent communication skills (written and oral) in English are required;
• Working knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.

Skills:

The candidate:

• Demonstrates resourcefulness and creativity in problem-solving;
• Has advanced computer skills: sound, hands-on, knowledge of MS Office applications (familiarity with ICT tools and high level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel are desirable);
• Has excellent research, writing and analytical skills;
• Can establish and maintain effective working relations with people from diverse backgrounds;
• Has a demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations and more specifically, in the work of the United Nations University.

Stipend

Interns who are not in receipt of financial support from other sources such as universities or other institutions will receive a stipend from UNU to partially subsidize their basic living costs for the duration of the internship.

The monthly amount of the stipend will be determined for each duty station based on the stipend rates in effect. For New York the rate is USD1,000 per month. The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.

Duration of contract: The duration of the internship is 5 months (20 weeks).

Expected start date: 10 July 2023

Expected end date: 10 December 2023

How to Apply:

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:

• Answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.
• CV: Attach a current and complete CV in English (in the place where it says to upload the P11 Form). Your résumé or c.v. may not exceed two single-sided pages.
• Cover Letter: Insert your Cover Letter (in English) as required, stating interest in and qualifications for the post. Your cover letter should not be longer than one single-sided page and should include the following: i. your motivations for applying to the position; ii. how you feel you may contribute to the work being done at UNU-CPR; iii. how this position relates to your future career goals.
• Application: Apply via the apply link.

Application Deadline: 19 June 2023 by 12:00pm New York time

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a desk review and/or a competency-based interview, and references.

Acceptance

The successful applicant will be required to sign an Agreement Form that will act as the working contract between the intern and UNU-CPR for the duration of the internship.

Please note that health insurance is not provided. The successful candidate will be required to submit proof of adequate health insurance coverage for the entire duration of the internship.

Special notice

The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNU but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.

Interns do not hold international civil servant status nor are they considered a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations and may not represent UNU in any official capacity.

UNU accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship.

UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged.

UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.

Information About UNU Rosters

UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this internship announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this internship cohort for upcoming internships within the next 2 years.

Scam warning

UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.