Public Information Intern

Work Location

In Person - Full Time UNIC Beirut

Expected duration

3 mos to 6 mos max

Duties and Responsibilities

The global network of United Nations Information Centres (UNICs) is part of the Department of Global Communications. It is key to the Organization's ability to reach the peoples of the world and to share the United Nations story with them in their own languages. These centres, working in coordination with the UN system, reach out to the media and educational institutions, engage in partnerships with governments, local civil society organizations and the private sector, and maintain libraries and electronic information resources. Just as UNICs are the principal sources of information about the United Nations system in the countries where they are located, they are also responsible for promoting greater public understanding of and support for the aims and activities of the United Nations by disseminating information on the work of the Organization to people everywhere. This position is located in the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Beirut, within the Information Centres Service (ICS), Department of Global Communication (DGC).

The duration of the internship is three (3) months with possibility of extension for another three (3) additional months for a maximum period of six (6) months. The internship is UNPAID and full-time or part-time depending on academic obligations, to commence as soon as possible. Interns work five days per week (35 hours) as full-time interns or three days per week (21 hours) as part-time interns, under the supervision of the Outreach Assistant and other office staff. This internship is designed to be in person but may be flexible. Remote work modalities can be offered on a case-by-case basis. Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual's background, assigned office, as well as internship period. Under the direct supervision of the OIC and/or PIO, the intern will undertake the following tasks:

Duties may include, but are not limited to:

Assist in drafting in English and Arabic media advisories, press releases, press reviews, talking points, statements, news stories, etc.;

Assist in contributing to the content creation for UNIC Beirut's website and other social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.) with relevant UN news and events;

Assist in providing media support to events/campaigns organized by UNIC Beirut;

Assist in organizing press conferences, meetings, briefings and other PR events by UNIC- Beirut;

Assist in taking photos and videos for media coverage and archiving;

Assist in other ad-hoc activities as instructed.

Qualifications/special skills

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); or (b) Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent).

Applicants must have good knowledge of standard software applications, especially MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams.

Ability to draft news articles and/or social media posts in desirable.

Ability to design surveys and polls is desirable.

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

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. Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required. Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PH.D. Programme. Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage. Applicants must have good knowledge of standard software applications, especially MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams.

Ability to draft news articles and/or social media posts in desirable.

Ability to design surveys and polls is desirable.

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

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.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For this internship, fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic is required. Knowledge of French is desirable.

Additional Information

Not available.

Intern Specific text

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.

No Fee

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.