Communication and Outreach Intern

Abidjan

06 months

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP's Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. Established in 1981, the Abidjan Convention provides a regional cooperation framework for the protection, management and development of the marine and coastal environment of the south-eastern Atlantic region, from Mauritania to South Africa with a coastline of just over 14,000 km. In accordance with Article 16 of the Convention, the United Nations Environment Programme, hosts and administers the Secretariat of the Abidjan Convention. The Convention area hosts ecologically significant ecosystems—mangroves, lagoons, estuaries, coral and seagrass habitats—that sustain vital fisheries, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of millions of coastal residents. However, these ecosystems are under increasing threat from rising sea levels, accelerated coastal erosion, land salinization, habitat degradation, and climate-induced biodiversity loss. Human activities such as maritime transport and oil and gas exploration and exploitation further increase the risk of land-based pollution and oil spills. Strengthening coastal resilience and regional capacity to respond to these pressures is therefore a priority for the Contracting Parties. The Communication and Outreach Intern will support the Secretariat in strengthening the visibility of its work, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and promoting knowledge sharing among governments, partners, and the public. Under the supervision of the Head of the Secretariat, the intern will: 1. Communication and visibility (media and digital engagement) • Support the preparation of communication materials highlighting the work of the Convention and its Contracting Parties, including press releases, web stories, newsletters, and social media content. • Assist in drafting speeches, briefing notes, talking points and background materials for the participation of senior officials in regional and international meetings related to ocean governance, marine pollution, biodiversity and sustainable blue economy. • Contribute to maintaining and updating the Secretariat’s website and digital communication platforms to ensure visibility of regional initiatives, projects, and COP decisions. • Support the preparation of communication products around major regional and global environmental events (e.g. World Oceans Day, UN Ocean Conference, Our Ocean Conference, COP meetings and regional forums). • Assist in monitoring digital engagement and media coverage related to the Convention’s activities and regional ocean governance initiatives. 2. Outreach and stakeholder engagement • Support the organization and visibility of regional workshops, technical meetings, and outreach events involving Contracting Parties, regional organizations, development partners, research institutions and civil society. • Assist in preparing outreach materials such as presentations, fact sheets, briefing packages and event communication materials related to the Convention’s programmes and initiatives. • Contribute to strengthening engagement with key stakeholders and partners supporting the implementation of the Convention’s programme of work, including regional institutions, international organizations and development partners. • Support communication and outreach related to regional initiatives on marine and coastal protection, pollution reduction, ecosystem restoration and sustainable blue economy. 3. Knowledge sharing and storytelling • Support the documentation and dissemination of the Convention’s results, including project achievements, regional initiatives and country-level experiences. • Assist in compiling communication assets (photos, videos, publications and technical outputs) from regional activities and projects. • Contribute to the preparation of communication summaries and reports from major meetings, workshops and regional events. • Help develop stories, case studies and knowledge products highlighting best practices and lessons learned from the implementation of the Convention’s programme of work and regional environmental initiatives.

Applicants must, at the time of application, meet one of the following requirements: • Are enrolled in a Master's or in a Ph.D. programme; or • Are enrolled in the final year of a Bachelor's programme; or • Are within one year after graduation from a Bachelor's, Master's or Ph.D. programme. in the field of communications, public relations, graphic design, or equivalent. In addition: • Demonstrate pleasant interpersonal skills. • 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. • Have a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and has a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. 0

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Not available.

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.