Internship - Communications Advocacy & Marketing

NYC, New York

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization saving lives and changing lives, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience.  We are currently seeking to fill a Communications intern position in our Communications, Advocacy and Marketing Division, based in New York. Applicants should have legal working status in the US.

Brief description of WFP New York Office:

WFP’s New York Office advances WFP’s corporate, strategic, partnership and operational interests, as well as policy positions. In keeping with the office’s role as an interface, we actively maintain a two-way information flow with headquarters and field offices. On the one hand, we ensure that WFP’s operational and policy concerns are heard by the key actors in New York. On the other hand, we keep WFP offices abreast of the latest developments (e.g. UN reform and peacekeeping strategic reviews), including opportunities and risks. New York also advocates for WFP within the UN Secretariat and among partner organizations.

The office also has a communications and advocacy function, which works to increase WFP’s visibility and views within the UN system, as well as among major print, broadcast and social media outlets.

General Information

• Title of Post: Internship
• Supervisor: Communications Officer and Strategic Communications &Advocacy Lead
• Unit: Communications, Advocacy & Marketing
• Country:  New York, US
• Duty Station: New York
• Duration of internship: 3 months
• Expected Start Date: 2 February 2020

Duties and responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Communications Officer & Strategic Communications & Advocacy Lead, the candidate will perform the following duties:

• Create content and articles for WFP (and UN) websites as well as social media posts for twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

• Support in the organization and preparation of events, campaign and exhibitions to help achieve wider WFP brand awareness in the UN and New York.

• Manage and maintain records and databases of events and activities to ensure that information is accurate, organized and readily available for others to access.

• Support in pitching news releases and spokespersons to journalists.

• Monitor social and traditional media on issues related to the work and mandate of WFP and report on relevant media coverage.

• Undertake other related tasks and duties when needed.

Qualifications and experience

• Strong writing skills. Ability to produce high-quality written materials clearly and concisely and work within tight deadlines. Experience in Journalism, multi-media communications is desirable.
• Knowledge of social media and photo and video editing skills. Experience in writing for the web.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook).
• Currently enrolled with at least two years undergraduate studies completed, or recently graduated (within the past six months) (Journalism, Multi-media communications or International Relations).
• University course attendance in the past 12 months.
• Legal working status in the US.

Required soft skills/WFP Competencies:
 

• Ability to think creatively and strategically;
• Understanding of the local context: ability to understand audiences and plan for desired outcomes;
• Team spirit, good organizations and interpersonal skills, able to work independently, and eager to learn about humanitarian assistance and development cooperation;
• Previous experience working in the communications and partnership fields in the UN will be an asset.

Working Languages
 

Excellent command of English.

Supervision

Under the direct supervision of Communications Officer & Strategic Communications & Advocacy Lead, the incumbent will be provided with close mentoring, guidance and technical supervision. Performance planning and reviews as well as learning and development discussions will be elemental part of the supervision. With the support of a comprehensive induction package and assignment of a mentor, the intern will rapidly become a productive member of the team.

Training components
 

Throughout their assignment WFP interns have access to an industry leading learning platform, WeLearn. Depending on opportunities and availability of funds, he/she may participate in WFP workshops or seminars, as appropriate.

Learning Elements
 

At the end of the assignment, the Intern should:

• Be fully familiar with the role of the World Food Programme for Zero Hunger within the 2030 Agenda;
• Understand the opportunities and challenges of communications in a United Nations programme.

Information on the Country of Assignment

• Living conditions in New York City, US

The United States is at security level 1 (Minimal) and is considered non-restrictive regarding travel and family accompaniment at the duty station. Currently there are no significant security threats in general nor direct threats to UN personnel or assets within the country. Travelers should be aware of petty crime which may include pick pocketing and street scams, and exercise caution while transiting in public areas as well as when using ATM machines or money exchange tellers. Spare credit cards, travel documents and valuable items must be kept in a protected place such as the safe box in the hotel. Handbags should not be placed over backs of chairs or under tables at restaurants and one should always be vigilant when moving about the streets at night. It is the traveler’s responsibility to comply with immigration, customs and health requirements while entering/exiting the country.

• Other relevant information
   

VA Reference no: 111203

Closing Date: Friday, 17 January

Terms and Conditions:

• Interns receive a monthly stipend from WFP up to the maximum amount of US$1000 per month depending on the duty station of assignment.
• WFP is not responsible for living expenses, arrangements for accommodation, necessary visas and related costs.
• WFP will reimburse travel ticket for candidates who are nationals of developing countries and are pursuing their studies in their home country.
• WFP will recognize candidates’ educational credentials from recognized institutions that have been certified by competent international or national authorities such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) or Ministries of Education.
• Candidates who bear any of the following relations to WFP staff members are not eligible to apply: sons, daughters, brothers or sisters.

Female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply.  WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.

Saving Lives Changing Lives