Vacancy Announcement: Communications Intern

UNAOC is looking for a full-time Communications Intern based in New York.

Job categories: Communications
Vacancy code: VA/2023/B5004/25249
Department/office: NYSC, SDC, Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio
Duty station: New York, United States of America
Contract type: Intern
Contract level: Intern
Duration: 3 months with possibility of extension, subject to satisfactory performance, availability of funds and necessity of services
Application period: 12-Jan-2023 to 25-Jan-2023
Deadline: 25 January 2023

Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.

Apply for this Vacancy

Background Information – Job-specific

UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors, and United Nations organizations.

New York Service Cluster (NYSC) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.

Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP). It provides Services to partners’ programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.

UNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations to implement the activities for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)

The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) is an initiative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, which responds to a broad consensus across nations, cultures and religions that all societies are interdependent, bound together in their development and security, and in their environmental, economic and financial well-being. The Alliance seeks to forge collective political will and mobilize concerted action at the institutional and civil society levels to overcome prejudice, misperceptions and polarization that militate against such a consensus. UNAOC hopes to contribute to a coalescing global movement which, reflecting the will of the vast majority of people, rejects extremism in any society.

The complex, demanding dialogue of civilizations, cultures, and religions is necessary, possible, and fruitful. It is a critical tool against isolation, mistrust, and confrontation and it is also the most powerful incentive for understanding, and tolerance. History has shown that dialogue is not a simple process, but that if we fail to teach and cultivate it, the situation can give way to a monologue or to mutism, which is conducive to conflict and violent extremism.

UNAOC was created to serve as a soft-power political tool of the United Nations Secretary-General for conflict prevention and conflict resolution. It is a coalition against extremist forces; a movement to advance mutual respect for cultures, traditions and religious beliefs, and a platform to bridge divides and overcome prejudice, misconceptions, misperceptions, and polarization. UNAOC was intended to promote collective action in society as a means of addressing the threats that emerge from the hostile perceptions that foment violence, overcoming cultural and social barriers, reducing tensions and improving relations between societies and communities with diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, and combating violent extremism.

The High-Level Group’s report, published on 13 November 2006, put forth recommendations that became the guiding principles for the implementation of the Alliance. In particular, it identified four priority areas of action for the Alliance of Civilizations, which all play a critical role in reducing cross-cultural tensions and building bridges between communities, and to which the Alliance of Civilizations should bring a multidisciplinary and multi-perspective approach: Youth, Education, Media, and Migration.

Functional Responsibilities

Specific intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Contribute to the drafting and updating of social media materials and digital products
Assist with conceptualizing campaigns and social media activations
Assist with publishing articles, press releases, photos, graphics and multimedia elements on the UNAOC website, social media networks and other digital platforms
Support the UNAOC social media strategy by providing recommendations to increase higher engagement, gain more followers and improve overall reach
Assist with design, editing, and production of graphic materials to support online and offline communications
Support communications projects and campaigns as they arise, including conducting research and summarizing relevant information
Provide general administrative support including taking meeting minutes, setting up meetings and conference calls, etc.
Assist with research in support of UNAOC communications strategy
Assist with event planning and production
Perform ad hoc tasks for all communications-related deliverables

Monitoring and Progress Controls

Under the direct supervision of the Web and Multimedia Communications Specialist:

Satisfactory delivery of project-related tasks within predetermined deadlines
Meet projected outputs as outlined by the supervisor
Production of multimedia materials as requested by the supervisor
Provision of support for project-related deliverables
Satisfactory delivery of communications support for projects, events, meetings, advocacies, and other UNAOC activities
Regular meetings with supervisor to ensure timely completion of assignments
Timely completion of data migration tasks, ensuring that all files are migrated successfully
Contribute to amplifying UNAOC activities online.
Contribute to overall increase in reach, engagement and overall follower count across all major platforms.
Contribute to all UNAOC visibility efforts and strengthen the UNAOC digital presence.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

Education:

All applicants must be enrolled in a university programme such as Bachelor, Masters or PhD. (or the equivalent) in the area of Journalism, Communication, International Relations, Multimedia, or Information Technology or have graduated from such studies within three (3) years prior to the application date of the internship.

Internship related experience:
(The following skills and experiences are desirable but not required.)

General:

A good understanding of the UN system and commitment to the UN mission
Excellent attention to detail
Ability to work independently on a number of separate, simultaneous tasks
Proven ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, including gender and geographical balance.
Proven quick and thorough research and data analysis
Proficiency in drawing relevant information from technical content
Experience in event planning

Communications:

Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, and experience in developing different types of content for different audiences and mediums
Experience with social media. Candidates must submit examples of successful social media campaigns they played a role in.
Full command of Microsoft Office suite of products

Multimedia:

Familiarity with Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Photoshop. Proficiency in Adobe Premiere, Adobe Lightroom and/or Adobe After Effects would be a plus
Experience with updating WordPress-powered websites is necessary. Experience with other Content Management Systems (e.g. Drupal) would be a bonus
Basic HTML knowledge would be an asset.
Knowledge of photo and video production with DSLR cameras, and ability to create impactful video content for social media would be a plus.

Language:

Fluently in English is required;
Knowledge of other UN languages is desirable.

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Internship
Contract level: Intern
Internship duration: 3 months with possibility of extension, subject to satisfactory performance, availability of funds and necessity of services

This internship is not designed to lead to a staff position with UNOPS. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of the internship.

Interns may be eligible for a monthly stipend from UNOPS provided that they do not receive funds from other institutions.

For more details about UNOPS internships please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Internships-and-volunteering.aspx

Additional Information

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.