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

UNDP’s HIV and Health Group (HHG) works to reduce inequalities and social exclusion that drive HIV and poor health as well as promoting effective and inclusive governance for health.  Globally and across Africa, this includes work with young key populations disproportionately affected by HIV (YKP) as well as sexual and gender minorities (LGBTI+ populations), recognizing that stigma, discrimination and exclusion undermine both human rights and public health.   

 In 2020, UNDP HHG established the #WeBelongAfrica Programme (WBA) to support state entities in sub-Saharan Africa to become more accountable, responsive and inclusive of, LGBTI+ people and YKPs. WBA comprises several related projects, including the “Inclusive Governance Initiative” (IGI) and the “Southern Africa Young Key Population Initiative” (SAYKPI).  By strengthening dialogue between governments and communities, WBA seeks to foster improved legal and policy environments, more responsive public services and social norms that affirm the perspective, needs and rights of these populations. 

Over the last five years, the programme has implemented targeted interventions to advance LGBTI+ inclusion within sustainable development goals; strengthen capacity of LGBTI+ CSOs to respond to organised opposition and developed and published knowledge products to inform and influence SDG related policy reform. In 2024 WBA launched the International Pride awards initiative to recognise impactful leadership and advocacy for LGBTIQ+ equality. The programme also established an online community hub to increase visibility, knowledge sharing and access to relevant information.

The Intern will work closely with the WBA Communication team to support public advocacy and research, programme coordination and events management, and strategic communication. This will also include managing   social media platforms; developing publicity and communication materials; promoting publications; and providing general support to programme implementation.  
 

Duties and Responsibilities

Working closely with the WBA communication team, the intern will:
  1. Support the development of marketing strategies and management of the programme’s social media platforms that effectively inform and engage external audiences and supports advocacy efforts.
  2. Support the crafting of publicity and communication materials, including social media content, blogs, human interest stories, videos, branding and visibility materials such as banners, flyers etc. This involves using digital tools such as videography, photography, artificial intelligence and graphic design.
  3. Support communications efforts related to the upcoming 2026 International Pride Awards.
  4. Monitor media coverage and develop periodic analytics reports and contribute towards the development of strategies for increasing performance. 
  5. Monitor current events and trending topics and spot strategic opportunities for meaningful engagement and increased visibility for WBA. 

Additional functions may include: 

  1. Assist the Programme team with day-to-day implementation of the WBA regional programme activities including support to partners, organization of events and meetings and preparation of reports. 
  2. Assist in research and monitoring LGBTI+ inclusion and rights issues in WBA’s focus countries in Africa. 
  3. Facilitate knowledge building, usage and dissemination of products generated and published by the HHG regional team, its partners and other relevant institutions in the continent including supporting the translation and review of knowledge products.
  4. Provide support to any other activities related to the WBA programme.
Competencies
  • Demonstrated strong social media skills, including production and promotion of video, text and graphic content for platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and Facebook.
  • Understanding of strategic communication and how it can contribute to the achievement of specific development goals.
  • Software skills including MS Office/365.
  • Responsible, responsive, enthusiastic.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Strong communication skills in English.

Additional desired competencies:

  • Graphic design skills using tools such as Adobe Creative Suite and Canva.
  • Understanding of LGBTI+ and young key populations issues in developing countries and sensitivity to working with front-line activists.
  • Fluency in French, Portuguese and/or Spanish.

 
Required Skills and Experience

 
Education:

Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:

  • currently in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree; or
  • currently enrolled in a Master’s degree; or
  • have graduated no longer than 1 year ago from a master’s degree or equivalent studies.

Language skills:

  • Fluency in English is required.
  • Knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.

Other competencies and attitude:

  •  Interest and motivation in working in an international organization;
  •  Good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation;
  • Outgoing and initiative-taking person with a goal oriented mind-set;
  •  Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently;
  •  Good in organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities; 
  •  Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.

 INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS

  • UNDP internships are not remunerated. All expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern or her/his sponsoring entity;
  • UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
  • Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed;
  • Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship;
  • Interns must provide proof of enrolment in health insurance plan;
  • Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity;
  • Interns are expected to work full time but flexibility is allowed for education programmes;
  • Interns need to obtain financing for subsistence and make own arrangements for internship, travel, VISA, accommodation, etc.
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. 

 
Scam warning

 
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.