INTERN - COMMUNICATIONS (Home Based) [Temporary]

Org. Setting and Reporting

This internship is situated in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and reports directly to the Communications Specialist.

The position is for a minimum duration of two months and up to a maximum of six months with a starting date within the period of 1 March – 30 November 2023.

The intern will work five days a week (35 hours). Part-time interns work 17.5 hours a week.

The internship is UNPAID.

Responsibilities

The intern will join the Communications Unit and assist with the following activities:

• Support the creation and uploading of content for the ISA website
• Review existing content and liaise with relevant units of the organizations to identify content that needs revision / updating
• Review different sections of website to identify potential issues and notify the webmaster / Communications Specialist
• Propose new content (written and visual) and improvements that can make the website more attractive, intuitive and more agile
• Compile and review analytics
• Make suggestions to enhance traffic

Depending on personal interests and skills, the intern might also assist with other activities of the Communications Unit, including:

• Preparing communications materials such as electronic newsletters and multimedia products (video, podcasts, etc.)
• Developing and implementing social media campaigns
• Managing ISA digital assets (photos and footage).

Competencies

Client Orientation - Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Communication - Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of the mandate, role and functions of ISA. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

Required skills

• Strong oral and written skills in English
• Understanding of web analytics and optimization
• Familiarity with WordPress highly desirable
• Proficiency with major social media platforms
• Familiarity with video editing and/or graphic design software an asset

Education

To qualify for an internship within the Communications Unit of the International Seabed Authority Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met:

Applicants must:
(a) be enrolled in a graduate school programme in journalism, communication, media studies, filmmaking, international relations or related field (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or
(b) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme in journalism, communication, media studies, filmmaking, international relations or related field (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent); or
(c) have graduated with a university degree in journalism, communication, media studies, filmmaking, international relations or related field (as defined in (a) or (b) above) and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation.

1. Be computer literate in standard word processing and spreadsheets software applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel or similar;

2. Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and the International Seabed Authority and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and

3. Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Work Experience

No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of ISA. For the internship advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment

Potential candidates will be contacted for further consideration. Candidates are advised to apply as soon as possible and indicate their dates of availability as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis for an immediate start of the internship.

Special Notice

Working arrangement

The internship is on a remote, full-time basis and is unpaid.


A completed online application (Cover Note and Personal History Profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

The Cover Note must include:
-Title of degree you are currently pursuing
-Graduation Date (when will you be graduating from the programme)
-List the IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in
-List your top three areas of interest/department preferences
-Explain why you are the best candidate for that specific department
-Explain your interest in the ISA Internship Programme

In your Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences, IT skills, and three references.

Due to a high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.