United Nations Development Programme 2021 Communication Internship

UNDP is the UN’s global development network whose focus is to help countries build and share solutions to the challenges of sustainable development as informed by the 2030 sustainable development agenda. The overarching goal of the strategic partnership between the government of South Africa and UNDP is to advance South Africa’s strategic priorities to work for a more resilient South Africa. To achieve this, UNDP occupies itself with unlocking the much-needed expertise and finances required by the country. Linking the global agenda to national development priorities as outlined in the National Development Plan to ensure that all resources invested yield outcomes that translate to better lives for people.  

Under the overall supervision and guidance of the UNDP Communications Analyst, the Communications Intern will support the management and implementation of the Country Office (CO) communications and publication strategies which are geared to influence the development agenda, promote public and media outreach, and mobilize political and financial support for UNDP. They will work closely with the Communications Analyst in providing hands-on support to the communications needs of UNDP’s programmes, projects and activities.

The Communications Intern will support the Communications Analyst in working in close collaboration with the CO Programme and Operations teams communications staff and focal points of the various UN agencies (including the UN Communications Group) and promotes the work of the CO to all external stakeholders (and internal stakeholders, as necessary), including government, the donor community, civil society, media, academia, and the UN system.  

UNDP’s communications strategy is intended to increase UNDP South Africa’s visibility, market successful projects, document successes and best practices, improve internal communication and strengthen media relations to keep the public and stakeholders (including government, civil society, other UN agencies, private sector, development partners) informed about our role and activities.  Communication is central if UNDP is to effectively carry out its duties with and among its stakeholders. To this end, the communication unit is looking to employ a full-time intern who is interested in gaining experience and providing support to this work. 

What are the requirements?

Education: Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements: Have graduated with qualifications in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing or related fields.

Experience: Relevant experience in similar potions, public relations, communications, or journalism would be an added advantage.

• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Knowledge of other South African languages will be an added advantage. 
• Good organisational skills;
• Good inter-personal skills;
• Excellent computer literacy in standard software applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint);
• Knowledge of video and digital editing software will be an added advantage
• Proficiency in the use of digital and social media platforms;
• Good research and analytical skills;
• Ability to work independently and as a team member;
• Sensitivity to political, cultural and national differences and adaptability to multicultural environments.

Your duties

Under the direct supervision of the Communications Analyst and the overall guidance of the Resident Representative of UNDP, the intern will undertake the following tasks:

• assists with profiling UNDP programmes and projects;
• assists with the production of the UNDP communication products including newsletters, bulletins, pamphlets, and other visibility and knowledge products.
• assists with producing issues-based print stories for the website that communicate UNDP’s results in South Africa;
• assists with designing/managing the UNDP digital communications strategy and updating UNDP website content and profiles on social networks (Facebook, YouTube, Twitter) with information about project activities and events;
• assists with maintaining an updated media and partners contact list;
• assists in creating a knowledge repository of communication-related aspects for the organization;
• assists in partnerships building and resource mobilization processes.
• assists in with event planning, as well as providing communications support such as photography/videography, developing social media toolkits, and communications plans;
• assists in communications-related administrative processes such as procurement of external services, software, and other relevant admin-centred functions;
• and performs any other duties as required.

How to apply?

To apply for this Communication Internship at the United Nations Development Programme CLICK HERE

Closing date: 18 August 2021