Background

The Human Development Report Office (HDRO) advances human development by promoting new ideas, encouraging practical policy change, and constructively challenging policies and approaches that constrain people’s opportunities, choices, and freedoms. HDRO contributes to this work through research and writing, data and analytical products, digital and knowledge platforms, and outreach and advocacy efforts.

The Communications and Outreach Intern will support HDRO’s integrated outreach work, including communications materials, digital and social media content, events and webinars, and knowledge-sharing activities. The internship is intended to provide practical experience in communications, outreach, and knowledge management in an international development setting, while contributing to the visibility, accessibility, and coherence of HDRO’s work.

The Intern will work as part of HDRO’s integrated outreach team, under the overall supervision of the team lead.

Duties and Responsibilities

The intern will support the team in the following areas:

1. Communications and creative content support

  • Assist in drafting and packaging communications materials related to HDRO reports, events, and outreach activities 
  • Support development of outreach materials, including presentations, social media content, newsletter copy, web or platform text, and related communications products 
  • Assist in designing visual materials, including graphics, posters, and other digital assets, in line with UNDP branding and editorial guidance 
  • Help ensure clarity, consistency of messaging, and quality of presentation across communications outputs 

2. Digital outreach and platform support

  • Support day-to-day preparation, formatting, scheduling, and posting of content across HDRO’s digital outreach channels, including social media, newsletters, Communities of Practice, and related platforms 
  • Assist in amplifying key outputs, events, and engagements across digital channels  
  • Help monitor basic engagement metrics and prepare simple summaries to support learning and improvement in digital outreach 
  • Support maintenance and organization of digital outreach content files and platform materials 

3. Events and outreach support

  • Assist in the preparation and delivery of events, webinars, briefings, and other outreach activities 
  • Support preparation of concept notes, participant materials, presentations, and outreach packages 
  • Assist with event logistics and coordination, including communication with participants where appropriate and under staff guidance 
  • Support documentation of events and preparation of follow-up materials, including notes, summaries, visuals, and other related outputs as needed 

4. Knowledge management and internal coordination support

  • Assist in organizing and maintaining outreach-related trackers, contact lists, reference files, and other knowledge management materials 
  • Support consolidation and organization of inputs for newsletters, Communities of Practice, briefings, and other knowledge-sharing products 
  • Help maintain simple internal records of outreach activities, outputs, and follow-up actions 
  • Support coordination with UNDP BERA, in tracking media coverage and public references related to HDRO work and Human Development Reports, and in compiling related internal summaries and reference materials.

Competencies

Core competencies

  • Demonstrates integrity and commitment to the values and principles of the United Nations 
  • Shows cultural sensitivity and works effectively with people from diverse backgrounds 
  • Treats all people fairly and respectfully 
  • Works collaboratively and contributes positively to team efforts 

Functional competencies

  • Strong writing, drafting, and editing skills 
  • Strong creative skills and demonstrated ability to design clear, engaging outreach materials, including presentations, social media content, visuals, and other communications products 
  • Good organizational skills and attention to detail 
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a structured way 
  • Strong teamwork skills and willingness to learn 
  • Ability to work in a multicultural and fast-paced environment 

Technical competencies

  • Familiarity with communications, digital outreach, social media, or knowledge management work 
  • Ability to support preparation of presentations, newsletters, and visual or multimedia materials 
  • Familiarity with tools such as Canva, Adobe applications, newsletter platforms, social media scheduling tools, or similar programmes is an asset 
  • Interest in international development, public policy, and human development issues is desirable 

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 postgraduate degree programme, such as a master’s programme or higher 
  • be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme, minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent 
  • have recently graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must start the internship within the period required by applicable UNDP rules 

Fields of study may include communications, journalism, public relations, digital media, knowledge management, international relations, development studies, or other related disciplines.

Experience:

  • Previous academic, internship, volunteer, or professional experience in communications, outreach, content development, digital media, knowledge management, or related areas is desirable 
  • Experience in drafting, editing, social media content preparation, event support, or visual content development is an asset 
  • Familiarity with international organizations, development institutions, or related policy environments is an advantage 
  • Familiarity with human development concepts is desirable 

Language requirements

  • Excellent written and spoken English is required 

  • Knowledge of another UN language is an asset 

Working Arrangement:

  • As of 1 January 2020, Interns may be given a stipend according to UNDP Internship Policy, if it is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government foundation or scholarship programme A stipend intended to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station. The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.
  • Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of the internship. UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship. Interns must provide proof of enrollment in health insurance plan.
  • Interns are expected to work full time, either in person or remotely, but flexibility is allowed for education programmes.
  • Interns are responsible for obtaining the 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 are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.
  • 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.
  • Interns will be evaluated at the end of the contract.
  • Interns are responsible for providing their own laptops.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

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