Communication Intern

Background

UNDP Zimbabwe would like to give an opportunity to a Communications Student or recent graduate to have a learning experience within the UNDP Communications team.  The internship will initially be issued for a period of 6 months and subject to performance may be extended for a further three months.    The purpose of the internships is give students the opportunity to have a first-hand experience for them to build their capacity as part of their studies and to also contribute to the work of UNDP in Zimbabwe.

In support of the 2016-2020 Country Programme, the UNDP Zimbabwe communications strategy 2017 serves to provide a framework for articulating the key messages of the current Country Programme. It also seeks to influence the development agenda, promote public and media outreach and to mobilize political and financial support for UNDP in Zimbabwe.

The thrust of the UNDP Zimbabwe Country Programme Document 2016-2020 is inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods; democratic governance; and climate change and resilience. The document is also guided by the 2014-2017 UNDP Strategic Plan, which—like the CPD—re-aligns UNDP’s attention on a set of priority areas around Sustainable Development Pathways, Inclusive and Effective Democratic Governance and Resilience.

Underpinning the three pillars is a strong advocacy and knowledge management element to for instance, to ensure that implementation of pro-poor national development strategies and policies is supplemented by high-standard knowledge products. Also informing the strategy is the principle of Delivering as One and working together under the umbrella of the UN Communications to promote common UN messages and support advocacy for Sustainable Development Goals, and national development priorities as articulated in the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (Zim Asset.;

The Plan follows the three strategic objectives for communications set by the Administrator: (1) Optimize opportunities for partner visibility and communications for resource mobilization; (2) Further Agenda 2030 and the vision of the UNDP Strategic Plan; and (3) Encourage and support engagement with strategically targeted media.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Communications Associate, the Communications  intern will have the opportunity to learn how to provide communications support that ensures high quality, accuracy and consistency of work.    The Communications intern will be exposed to and will be taught on how to apply the knowledge they attain to execute tasks assigned to them in full compliance with UN/UNDP communications policies and strategies.  They will also have an opportunity to work in close collaboration with the operations units, programme and projects’ staff in the CO to learn, exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Communications Associate, the intern shall perform, inter alia, the following tasks:

• Provide support in working with the Programme teams on writing and disseminating external-oriented content for the UNDP Zimbabwe website, social media, newsletters, and other outreach mediums, in line with corporate guidelines;
• Review and edit success stories, blogs, etc. from Programme colleagues, ensuring they demonstrate UNDP’s added value and thought leadership, and are ready for publishing and dissemination;
• Contribute towards the monitoring and improvement of communication tools (including communications products and online channels) to ensure clear communication of results and UNDP positions on key issues to advance the development agenda;
• Assist the communications team in the organisation of key events and communication opportunities, such as major UNDP conferences, discussions and report launches;
• Participate in meetings and perform other communications/advocacy support tasks as required. 

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback;
• Works collaboratively with team members by sharing information openly and displaying cultural awareness and sensitivity;
• Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external partners;
• Positive and results-oriented attitude.

Technical/Functional Competencies;

• Excellent writing and researching skills;
• Strong analytical aptitude, communication and presentation skills;
• Good organizational, time management and strong interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work flexibly and meet tight deadlines;
• Attention to detail and proven ability to work independently and effectively.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Enrolled in a degree programme (Bachelor or Masters) such as Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, Development Studies, and/or related fields;
• 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 and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.

Experience:

• UN or UNDP experience or know-how beneficial;
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in news, media relations and/or advocacy campaigns, using traditional and social media;
• Experience in maintaining social media channels and using communication tools such as MailChimp, Piktochart, Exposure, etc.
• Zimbabwe experience or know-how is beneficial;
• Computer literate in standard software applications;
• Work experience considered as an asset.

Language

• Fluency in the English is required;
•  Shona and or Ndebele is an asset

Additional Information:

Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:a) Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent);c) 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.

Financial Issues:Internships within the UN system are unpaid and subject to conditions the applicant must get familiar with prior to signing his/her internship agreement.

The costs associated with the internship must be borne by the nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or by the student, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his or her own arrangements for travel, accommodation etc.

Application procedure:

The application should contain:

• Brief Cover Letter (in English) stating interest in and qualifications for the post and your availability;
• Current and complete CV in English.
• Candidates selected for interview must submit the following documents prior to the interview:
• Official letter from the University confirming enrolment in a degree programme;
• A written test may be conducted as part of the interview process.
• Conditions:
• UNDP only accepts interns for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 6 months;
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents, illness or death during the internship;
• Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity;
• Interns are responsible to arrange for their own visa and residence documents, and need to plan for these well in advance;
• The purpose of the internship is not to lead to further employment with UNDP but to complement an intern’s studies; therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship;
• More information available at: http://www.undp.org/internships.