Communications Intern, Innovative Finance Hub, Helsinki, Finland, 26 weeks (full time-In Person preferably or Remote)

The UNICEF Innovative Finance Hub in Helsinki is seeking a Communications Intern to support both external and internal communications, with a particular focus on Child-Lens Investing (CLI). This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the communications efforts of a global initiative that mobilizes capital for children. The Hub is looking for an enthusiastic, fast-learning early-career professional with a strong interest in communications and children’s rights.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. 

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 

And we never give up. 

For every child, an opportunity 

The Innovative Finance Hub, part of UNICEF’s Private Fundraising and Partnerships Division, was established in Helsinki to catalyze global capital in support of children and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Hub operates from a unique vantage point where global development expertise intersects with startup thinking, innovative ideas, and strategic partnerships—transforming this energy into scalable solutions for children. 

The Hub’s core product is Child-Lens Investing, a pioneering approach that positions children at the center of the investor agenda. CLI encourages and guides investors to integrate child-related considerations into their investment decisions. More information about Child-Lens Investing is available here: https://www.unicef.org/innovation/innovative-finance/child-lens-investing.   

How can you make a difference?

To increase visibility and drive adoption of Child-Lens Investing, the Innovative Finance Hub is recruiting a Communications Intern. The intern will support the Hub’s communications and visibility efforts through a learning-by-doing model, working closely with the wider Hub team and reporting to the Communications Specialist.

Main responsibilities include:

• Producing timely and effective communication assets, including web articles, human interest stories, newsletters, thought pieces, multimedia content (videos, photos), press releases, and other advocacy materials, in collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Developing clear and impactful social media content.
• Supporting the coordination and organization of events and conferences.
• Copyediting of relevant documents including communication materials, reports and briefing notes, when required. 
• Developing and maintaining a communication asset database (Human interest stories, videos, social media assets, publications referencing Child-Lens Investing, press releases and clippings, photographs, audio-visual materials, web resources, etc.) 
• Monitoring and analyzing communication activities, assessing their effectiveness, and making recommendations for improvements, including the mapping of relevant media.
• Coordinating with key stakeholders such as UNICEF National Committees and CLI stakeholders on communications activities.
• Providing general support to the IF Hub team, including assistance with tasks related to innovative finance, as needed.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Enrolled in a master’s degree program at a recognized university, undergraduate level or a recent graduate (within two years from date of graduation) in Communications, Media, International Development, Finance or a related field.
• Previous experience in communications, including internships. Experience in the sustainable finance sector and familiarity with the Finnish ecosystem would be considered an asset.
• Strong capacity to work effectively in inter-divisional teams.
• Excellent analytical, interpersonal and communications skills.
• Ability to conceptualize, plan and execute ideas.
• Fluency in English is required.

Conditions:

• Age: Interns must be at least 18 years 
• Have good academic performance as demonstrated by recent university or institution records.
• Have no immediate relatives (e.g. father, mother, brother, sister) working in any UNICEF office.
• Have no other relatives in the line of authority which the intern will report to.
• Individuals must have proof of medical insurance covering the time and location of their internship.
• This internship will be delivered on a full-time commitment.
• Individuals are expected to provide their own laptop.
• Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend (unless already in receipt of any support for the internship from a third party).
• Individuals are responsible for arranging any visa or immigration requirements.

WORK ARRANGEMENT:

• The Communications Intern will preferably work in-person at our office in Helsinki, Finland, for a period of 6 months.

Employment: There is no expectancy of employment at the end of the internship.

Please see attached Terms of Reference (TOR)  Communications Internship TOR.pdf

How to apply:

Interested applicant is required to submit an application via the online portal, and attach a CV and Cover Letter.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:  

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. 

Contact: For any queries, please contact: swe-ooi-recruitments@unicef.org