Communications Intern-UNV Human Resources Section-Remote

Background

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. We work with partners to integrate qualified, highly motivated and well supported UN Volunteers into development programming and promote the value and global recognition of volunteerism. UNV is represented worldwide. UNV is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The Human Resources Section supports UNV in achieving its mandate, business plan and staff performance objectives by partnering with senior and line management to meet UNV’s strategic HR requirements, and by designing/implementing services and initiatives to attract, develop, motivate, and retain staff and personnel with the best talents to match UNV’s needs. The Human Resources Section operates within the framework of UNDP’s human resources policies and systems.

The Capacity Development team, as part of the Human Resources Section (HRS), leads the design and delivery of all learning activities for UN Volunteers serving with UN agencies globally.

UNV provides serving UN Volunteers and staff with access to learning programmes and services which include but are not limited to learning platforms (UNV eCampus), onboarding portal, UN mandatory courses (online) and UNV e-courses, LinkedIn Learning, Rosetta Stone, Coursera, UNITAR online courses and individual coaching.

Workshops and onsite learning programmes on the ground are regularly offered to specific target audiences at the local and regional levels. Depending on business priorities learning programmes focused on strategic initiatives are delivered as well.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Learning Analyst and Team Lead CDT, the incumbent is expected to contribute to:

Communication Strategy Implementation

• Collaborate with the capacity development team to execute comprehensive communication strategies that enhance the visibility and effectiveness of UN Volunteer learning activities.
• Identify and assess key communication objectives, target audiences, and a wide range of communication methods and channels to ensure the successful promotion of UNV learning programs.

Content Development for Communication

• Create and maintain a range of engaging communication materials, including graphics and presentations that effectively convey the essence and benefits of UNV learning programs.
• Regularly update and refresh content on UNV learning opportunities, ensuring accuracy and relevance in line with the existing communication on eCampus and other channels.

Outreach and Information Dissemination

• Organize outreach and sourcing initiatives to inform and engage stakeholders about UNV learning opportunities. This includes developing and distributing newsletters, announcements, flyers, learning kits, catalogs, and documentation.
• Implement a structured approach to disseminate information, ensuring that potential participants are well-informed and motivated to engage in UNV's capacity development offerings.

eCampus Information Maintenance

• Collaborate to maintain the information on UNV eCampus up-to-date.

Analytics and Reporting

• Implement tracking mechanisms to monitor the impact and reach of communication efforts, utilizing key performance indicators to assess the success of various campaigns and initiatives.
• Prepare regular reports on the effectiveness of communication strategies and make data-driven recommendations for improvements.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with the Capacity Development Team, subject matter experts, and other relevant sections within UNV to ensure alignment and coherence in communication approaches.
• Engage with stakeholders, partners, and the UNV volunteer community to gather feedback and input, fostering a collaborative and inclusive approach to communication.

Social Media and Online Communication Management

• Manage and coordinate communication through official WhatsApp channels and social media platforms to enhance engagement with volunteers and stakeholders.
• Develop, schedule, and monitor social media posts and WhatsApp broadcasts that align with UNV’s communication strategy, ensuring timely dissemination of learning opportunities, updates, and success stories. 
• Analyze engagement metrics from social media and WhatsApp communications to identify trends, measure outreach effectiveness, and support continuous improvement of communication efforts.

Core Competencies

1. Communication Skills:

   - Demonstrates exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.

2. Organizational Skills:

   - Exhibits outstanding organizational skills, ensuring deliverables are prioritized and delivered with accuracy, deadlines are met, and projects are executed efficiently.

3. Collaboration and Teamwork:

   - Works collaboratively with colleagues, fostering a team-oriented environment to achieve shared organizational goals and objectives.

4. Problem-Solving:

   - Possesses excellent problem-solving skills, demonstrating the ability to analyze situations, identify challenges, and implement effective solutions.

Desired Competencies:

5. IT Skills:

   - Demonstrates strong IT skills, including proficiency in office software packages such as Microsoft Office suite (PPT, Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, Forms, SharePoint).

6. Design Software Proficiency:

   - Exhibits strong knowledge and proficiency in design software, including but not limited to Adobe Creative Suite, Illustrator, and InDesign, enhancing the ability to create visually compelling communication materials.

7. Digital Media Literacy:

   - Displays solid knowledge in social media and other forms of digital media, staying informed about trends and best practices in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. 

Required Experience

Alignment of the activities in these TOR with the course of study.

If not (or in addition to), experience in one or more of the following:

- Creating and disseminating communication materials, managing social media accounts, or supporting communication campaigns.

- Any experience with graphic design and multimedia content creation, using design software such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Illustrator, or InDesign to produce visual communication materials.

- Organizing events, workshops, or webinars. This could include responsibilities such as logistics planning, participant communication, capturing success learning stories, or technical support during virtual events.

- Writing for various platforms, such as blogs, newsletters, or articles, and in tailoring written content for different audiences and purposes.

- Engaging with audiences, creating content calendars, and monitoring social media analytics.

Learning opportunities for the intern

• General understanding of the work and mission of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme, and of the contribution of volunteerism to peace and development.
• Learn about communication strategies, learning management and people’s capacity development in a UN organization.
• Contribute to the management and delivery of global learning initiatives for United Nations Volunteers.
• Experience working in an international organization and in a multicultural environment.

Qualifications

Education:

Desired: Degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, International Relations, International Development, or another related field.

Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet ONE of the following requirements:
1.    Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher);
2.    Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);
3.    Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;
4.    Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.
 

Language:

• Proficiency in English, with the ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken forms, is required.
• Knowledge of one/more of the other five official languages of the UN (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is very desirable. 

Conditions

• Intern will be given monthly stipend in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP Internship policy, which applicants should become familiar with prior to signing an UNDP Internship Agreement Form .  Where an intern is financially supported by an institution, government or third party, UNDP will, subject to the rules of such institution, government or third party, pay the intern the difference, if any, between the external financial support provided and the applicable UNDP Stipend.
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for the medical and life insurance of the intern or costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship;
• All the expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring government or institutions;
• The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment within the UN System, but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
 

Candidates who are shortlisted for an interview must submit prior to the interview the following documents:
•    Official letter from the University confirming enrolment in a graduate-level degree programme.
Only a selected candidate will be required to submit the following additional documents:
•    A letter from his/her university confirming current enrolment and graduation date.
•    A copy of his/her school transcript.
•    A letter of recommendation from a professor.
•    A signed UNDP Internship Agreement.
•    A Medical Certificate of Good Health.
•    Proof of medical insurance including provision for medical evacuation and removal of mortal remains or life insurance.
•    Copy of passport.

Interns will be entitled to monthly stipend based on existing UNDP rate
 

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.