Responsibilities

Under the general guidance and supervision of the Crisis Communications Officer and Associate Regional Communications Officer at DCO Africa, the intern will actively contribute to the design and implementation of a 2024 Regional Communications Action Plan for Africa, supporting key initiatives to enhance communications across the continent. One significant aspect of the intern’s responsibilities is to support the seamless organization of a regional online discussion on Digital Transformation in Africa. The objective is to foster informed conversations, engagement and encourage knowledge sharing among relevant stakeholders across the continent. Furthermore, the intern will contribute to the creation and dissemination of impactful social media campaigns, under the direct guidance and supervision of the Crisis Communications Officer and Associate Regional Communications Officer at DCO Africa. These campaigns aim to amplify key messages and foster broader outreach of high-impact regional and global events, leading up to the Summit of the Future in September. In addition, the intern will provide operation support for the organization of Community of Practice webinars. These webinars specifically target Communications Officers from Resident Coordinator Offices (RCOs) and UN Information Centres (UNICs), serving as a capacity-building initiative. The intern’s involvement in these activities will help facilitate knowledge exchange and skill development within the communication network across the continent. Another responsibility involves supporting the Crisis Communications Officer and Associate Regional Communications Officer at DCO Africa in the organization of a comprehensive stocktaking survey for RCOs and UNICs Communications Officers. This survey serves as a tool to assess communication progress and needs across the continent. Additionally, the intern will provide support on knowledge management efforts, including maintaining list of contacts and tracking social media followers. Lastly, the intern will collaborate closely with DCO Africa colleagues to contribute inputs to the monthly DCO Policy Bulleting. This effort is vital for the dissemination of essential information, ensuring that key updates and insights are effectively communicated within the organization. Considering the Intern’s scope of work indicated above, the intern is expected to deliver the following key outcomes: 1. Provide strategic and operational support for the effective organization of a regional online panel discussion on Digital Transformation in Africa, co-organized by the DCO Regional Office for Africa and other stakeholders. 2. Assist in crafting impactful outreach materials for RCO and UNIC Communications Officers, specifically for a minimum of two (2) regional events leading up to the Summit of the Future. 3. Support the organization of two (2) Community of Practice webinars for RCO and UNIC Communications Officers, contributing to the identification of relevant topics and speaker selection. 4. Assist in the development and implementation of a stocktaking survey aimed at assessing communications progress and needs for RCO and UNIC Communications Officers across Africa. Additionally, provide support in analyzing the collected data. 5. Support the compilation of inputs for a minimum of three (3) DCO Policy Bulletins from substantive colleagues at the UNDCO Regional Office for Africa, ensuring timely and accurate content for publication.

Education

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met: 1). Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

(a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);

(b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent).(OFFICIAL WRITTEN PROOF FROM THE UNIVERSITY SUPPORTING ONE OF THE ABOVE POSSIBILITIES MUST BE ATTACHED TO THE INSPIRA APPLICATION); 2). Be computer literate in standard software applications including MS Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point); 3).

Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and 4).

Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Work Experience 

No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship.

Language

English and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in spoken and written English is required. • Knowledge of French is an advantage.