Background

 
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

 
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

 
Job Purpose and Organizational Context
The country programme document, 2025-2030, aligns with the 2030 Agenda, the African Union Agenda 2063, and the UNDP Strategic Plan, 2022-2025. It represents UNDP contributions to the National Development Plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. 
It focuses on two pillars: (a) People-centred sustainable development and resilience, prioritizing people’s well-being and planetary health (aligned with Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework outcomes 1 and 2 and UNDP signature solutions 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6); and b) Inclusive governance, peace, and prosperity, embodying harmonious development, effective resource management, and equitable governance (aligned with Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework outcomes 2 and 3 and UNDP signature solutions 2, 3 and 6). 
The role of the Country Office Communications Unit is to adopt UNDP’s global communication strategy to a local context and the Country Office development priorities. Through the production of high-quality communication materials and innovative use of relevantly targeted communication channels (internal and external), the communications team works collaboratively to position UNDP as a leader in the development arena, promote visibility of UNDP program outcomes/development results, mobilize support for Sustainable Development Goals in the country, and practice delivery as one UN.
 
Duties and Responsibilities

 
As part of the Communications Unit and under the supervision of the Communications Specialist, the Communications Intern will be responsible for undertaking the following activities:
  • Support the development and implementation of UNDP Sierra Leone’s Communications strategy, Annual Communications Plan and Key Performance Indicators
  • Support content development for stories, op-eds, talking points, press releases and/or social media posts
  • Assist team members in synthesizing information from UNDP programme teams 
  • Support in preparing presentations, decks, pitches, toolkits and process documents.
  • Assist in maintaining dashboards, meeting calendars for the Communications Unit
  • Support the team with curation and coordination of events, campaigns, workshops, highlighting the work of UNDP and building relationships within the ecosystem
  • Build communication materials for events and help spread awareness through relevant channels.
     
Core competencies:
  • Innovation: Level 1: Assesses work with a critical eye
  • Leadership: Level 1: Takes responsibility for and ensures high quality of own work
  • People Management: Level 1: Understands personal and team roles, responsibilities and objectives 
  • Communication: Level 1: Reliably and consistently listens and interprets information and instruction correctly
  • Delivery: Level 1: Meets goals and timelines for team deliverables
Technical/Functional competencies:
  • Writing and Editing skills
  • Ability to analyze large sets of data and reports and synthesize complex issues.
  • Create excel spreadsheets and dashboards
  • Familiarity with website management, social media platform, branding and fostering private sector partnerships
  • Experience of creating content across a variety of medium
  • Demonstrated ability to plan and curate campaigns, events and workshops
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Strong Powerpoint, Word and Excel skills
  • Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing:
  • Basic research and analysis
  • Generates new ideas and approaches, researches best practices and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things.
  • Documents and analyses innovative strategies and new approaches for publishing content, fostering partnerships and launching campaigns.

 
Required Skills and Experience

 
Education: Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:
  • Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
  • Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent);
  • Have graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.
  •  
Experience:
  • The candidate must be currently enrolled in a relevant undergraduate programme’s such as Graphic Design, Visual Arts or a related field
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English language, with a demonstrated ability in drafting text and completing stories, 
  • Familiarity with social media platforms and digital communication tools.
  • Creative thinking and the ability to contribute innovative ideas to communication strategies.
  • Basic knowledge of public relations and media relations principles.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office suite and other relevant software.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. 
  • Familiarity with development issues and knowledge of UNDP’s work  is a plus
Disclaimer

 

 
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

 
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

 
Applicant information about UNDP rosters

 
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

 
Non-discrimination

 
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  

 
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 

 
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