Immediate Vacancy: Intern – Communications

Job Description

Background

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP. We value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate. We foster inclusion to ensure all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Job Purpose and Organizational Context

The Regional Programme for Africa is a flagship initiative for UNDP that addresses the challenges and opportunities facing the African Continent. It aligns with the priorities and aspirations of Africa as articulated by the African Union and other regional bodies. These priorities converge with the vision, areas of work, and guiding principles of the UNDP Strategic Plan. The programme builds on past successes and lessons learned, with special attention to focused programming and effective engagement with the African Union and the regional economic communities through long-term strategic partnerships.

Outcome Areas

The programme contributes to the UNDP Strategic Plan by focusing on three outcome areas:

• Ensuring the African Union and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) effectively deliver on their mandates, particularly on cross-cutting issues related to resilience-building.
• Promoting regional growth that is inclusive, transformational, and sustainable, with reduced economic inequalities and structural transformation.
• Strengthening regional institutions to sustain peace and build resilience against crises and shocks.

Signature Solutions

Additionally, the Regional Programme contributes directly to four “signature solutions” in UNDP’s Strategic Plan:

• Strengthening effective, accountable, and inclusive governance.
• Enhancing prevention and recovery for resilient societies.
• Closing the clean energy gap.
• Strengthening gender equality measures.

Guiding Principles

UNDP’s regional work is guided by five mutually reinforcing principles:

• Promoting public goods and services based on strengthened regional cooperation and integration.
• Managing cross-border challenges and opportunities collaboratively.
• Advancing awareness, dialogue, and action on sensitive or emerging issues.
• Encouraging experimentation and innovation to overcome barriers.
• Generating and sharing development knowledge through cooperation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Regional Communications and External Engagement Specialist, the Communications Intern will undertake the following:

• Draft and edit content for internal and external communications.
• Create engaging social media visuals and video snippets tailored for each platform.
• Schedule posts and assist in maintaining a social media content calendar.
• Support editing photos and videos for digital platforms and campaigns.
• Assist in branding efforts, ensuring visual consistency across materials.
• Help compile communication toolkits, factsheets, and promotional materials.
• Contribute creative ideas for visual storytelling and multimedia content.
• Assist in maintaining and updating the organization's website.
• Track engagement metrics and prepare social media performance reports.
• Research trends and recommend innovative strategies to enhance visibility.
• Maintain and update media contact lists and databases.
• Assist in media monitoring and compiling media coverage reports.
• Support in organizing press conferences, media briefings, and interviews.
• Assist in the planning and promotion of events, workshops, and campaigns.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Core Competencies

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards.
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback.
• Works collaboratively with team members by sharing information openly and displaying cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Maintains a positive and results-oriented attitude.

Technical Competencies

• Graphic Design – Strong knowledge in graphic design.
• Multimedia – Ability to develop multimedia content to be disseminated through internal and external channels.
• Marketing – Ability to communicate the value of a product or service.
• Social Media – Strong knowledge and ability to use social media to drive engagement.
• Communications for development – Ability to communicate organizational impact and results.
• Research – Knowledge of analytical tools, market research, and methods for undertaking substantive research on various policy-related issues.
• Brand and Quality Management – Ability to position a UNDP brand and uphold it to a high level of quality.
• Relationship Management – Ability to engage and foster strategic partnerships with other parties, Inter-Agency Coordination, and forge productive working relationships.

Other Competencies and Attitudes

• Experience in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong experience in Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Experience with data visualization tools and platforms is an asset.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher) OR be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as a bachelor’s degree or equivalent); OR recently graduated with a first university degree (bachelor's or equivalent) in Communication, Journalism, International Relations, or related Social Science discipline is required and, if selected, must start the internship within one year of graduation.

Experience:

• No professional work experience is required for applicants to the UNDP Internship Programme. However, applicants should have a field of study closely related to the type of internship they are applying for.
• Availability to work consecutively for a period of 6 months.
• Knowledge and experience in communications, public relations, or a related role is advantageous.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt messages for different audiences.
• Strong copywriting, editing, and proofreading abilities, with keen attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of the organization's sector or field of work would be desirable.

Language:

• Fluency in oral and written English is required.

Application:

The following documents shall be required from the applicants:

Updated CV and cover letter (in English)

* Please note that you will have to provide educational credentials only at a later stage.

Skills Required:

• Communication / Pr / Journalism
• Political / Science / Ir
• Social / Science / Project / Management / Development