Intern – Communications, Web and Media Outreach

Brussels

Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
Location: Brussels
Grade: Internship - Internship
Occupational Groups:
- Communication and Public Information
- Information Technology and Computer Science
- Administration
- Programme Management
Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.

Background information- Cities Alliance

Cities Alliance, which is hosted by UNOPS, is a global partnership for the promotion of cities in poverty reduction and sustainable development. Headquartered in Brussels, and supported by a Secretariat, it is a unique partnership with diverse members – local authorities, national governments, international non-governmental organisations, foundations and multi-lateral organisations – which have come together to strengthen both impacts and coherence in urban development. Cities Alliance is a global leader, with a strong track record in grant making, that supports strategic city planning, slum upgrading strategies and national policies designed to make cities more inclusive and sustainable. Its overall objectives are to support cities in providing effective local government, an active citizenship and a growing economy characterised by both public and private investment. Members promote longer-term and integrated work programmes, while actively promoting gender equality throughout all activities.

Background Information - Job-specific

Cities Alliance seeks a qualified, well motivated intern for an initial period of six months. The internship will be located in the Offices of the Cities Alliance Secretariat in Brussels, Belgium. The selected candidate will work closely with the Web Team, under the supervision of the Web Manager. The priority focus of the position will be to provide support on website content development, maintenance as well as communications outreach.

Cities Alliance is undertaking a major restructuring of its website to make it more modern, accessible and user-friendly to better inform the reader about Cities Alliance and its mission, vision and value proposition. The Cities Alliance uses its website to publish and communicate its work through online media to reach its members and partners which include national and local governments worldwide, international non-governmental organisations, foundations, knowledge networks and multilateral organisations. The website includes event coverage, press releases, speeches, annual reports, research papers, and brochures, all of which facilitate the dissemination and promotion of Cities Alliance’s work and its relevance for its members, partners, urban specialists and the general public.

This internship with the Cities Alliance Secretariat offers the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to communication and learning as well as project/programme management, grant making and administration. In addition, the intern will be exposed to the latest developments in the field of urban development and to a variety of innovative projects and practices.

Functional Responsibilities

Communications Support for Website Development and Maintenance

Support new content production. Tasks include but not limited to the following: review, drafting, writing, editorial, formatting, image selection and publishing web content as well as production of infographics.
Support web content migration from old platform to the new one. Tasks include but not limited to the following: content review, formatting, links validation and correction.
Support production of other communications materials (reports, publications, papers, newsletters, brochure, etc). Tasks include but not limited to the following: drafting, writing, editorial, formatting, updating, image selection and production of infographics.

Communications Support for External and Social Media Outreach

Provide support to review, organize, monitor and maintain Cities Alliance communication outreach databases (newsletter subscriptions, media contacts, member and partners communications contacts).
Provide support to promote, share and monitor Cities Alliance social media outreach.

The above is only a preliminary outline of potential tasks which may be revised in view of emerging exercises or necessary tasks.

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education

All applicants must be enrolled in a university degree program such as Bachelor, Masters or Ph.D. (or the equivalent), or have graduated from such studies within three years prior to the application date of the internship. Candidates enrolled, or graduated with Masters or Ph.D. (or the equivalent) will be preferred. Area of study and interest should be preferably one of the following: communications, business administration, project management or information management, with strong focus on international development.

Experience

Applicants are not required to have professional work experience but experience in relevant areas is highly desired

Ideally, applicants will have exposure to one or more of the following themes (either through academic or other experience):

Prior exposure to similar work experience and/or UN/international organization system would be a distinct advantage.
Knowledge of web CMS publishing and MS Office tools.
Interest and experience in social media and communications.
Strong interest in urban development in developing countries.
Ability to transform complex language into appealing, presentable and engaging web content and communications materials.
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral in English with strong drafting, proofreading, editing and analytical skills.
Experience with web Content Management Systems is required (Drupal, Worpress or other systems.)
Experience using infographic application (Piktochart, Canva, Visme or other applications), with a flair for graphic design and visual layout.
Experience in social media copywriting, audience development, community management, campaign creation/marketing/promotion, and branding/brand awareness.