Communications and Research Intern (Homebased)

Background

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the UNDP Somalia Head of Communications, the Communications and Research Intern will assist with communicating the work of UNDP Somalia and researching the issues covered by its mandate.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Assist the UNDP Communications Unit in various communications activities including publications and media productions:
• Preparation of publications: Assisting in compiling information, drafting content, and formatting documents remotely for reports, brochures, and newsletters.
• Drafting short reports: Writing concise summaries or updates on project activities remotely for internal or external distribution. Drafting a brief report summarizing the outcomes of a virtual workshop organized by UNDP on climate change adaptation strategies.
• Collecting information from projects: Conducting remote interviews or gathering data from field projects to showcase the impact of UNDP’s work.
• Carry out desk research on assigned topics and issues:
• Preparing key messages: Conducting remote research to identify key themes, trends, and messages relevant to specific topics or issues.
• Compiling key messages about Somalia’s development landscape and UNDP’s contributions in this area.
• Compiling key messages about the thematic pillars of UNDP’s programming in Somalia, including rule of law and human rights, gender equality, inclusive politics, resilience and climate change and inclusive economic growth and SDGs.
• Analyzing factors affecting Somalia’s development landscape: Reviewing data sources and reports to identify significant factors influencing Somalia’s development
• Support in Communications Unit in other regular tasks as assigned by the supervisor:
• Update calendar of events for UNDP’s projects: Maintaining an organized calendar of upcoming events remotely, ensuring timely communication and coordination.
• News monitoring: Monitoring remote news sources, social media, and other platforms for relevant updates, trends, and developments related to UNDP’s areas of work.
• Administrative support: Assisting with remote administrative tasks such as preparing event plans, tracking system, and maintaining contact lists of external partners
• Other communications tasks as may be required by the ever-changing needs of a UN office handling many different projects and issues:
• In consultation with supervisor taking into account where possible an intern’s specific skills and interests

Competencies

• Excellent relationship management, communication, and analytic skills
• A well-organized individual with the ability to multi-task
• A team player: the ability to work productively and effectively with others

Education

Required Skills and Experience:

• Applicants to the UNDP internship program must, at the time of application, meet one of the following requirements:
• Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher);
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent)
• Have graduated with a university degree in fields such as Communications is desirable or other related fields, and, if selected, must start the internship within one year of graduation
• Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional trainee ship program and undertake the internship as part of this program

Experience

• National or international level in public relations, advocacy, or communications. Previous experience with
• Multilateral or international organizations is an asset
• Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of web-based management systems such as ERP.
• Communications skills, including strategic communications, writing, advocacy, campaigning, photography, supervising video production, and content production for websites and social media.
• Media skills, including media liaison, pitching stories and crisis communications.
• Knowledge of Somalia and extensive networks with media organizations in the region.

Language Requirements

• Proficiency in written and spoken English and Somali.

Financial Issues

Internships within the UN system are subject to conditions the applicant must get familiar with before signing his/her internship agreement. Starting from January 2020 interns receive stipends according to UN rules and regulations. The monthly stipend amount will be based on their remote location. Any further costs associated with the internship must be borne by the nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students.

Selected Candidate Must Submit Following Documents

• Official letter from the University confirming enrollment in a graduate-level degree programme;
• Proof of medical and life/accident insurance valid for the location in which the internship will be carried out. Selected intern must have medical and life insurance.
• UNDP only accepts interns for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 6 months.
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship. Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.

Subsequent Employment

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

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