Org. Setting and Reporting

Applications are sought for a communication internship position within the office of the Regional Representative of the Regional Office for Eastern Africa of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC ROEA). The internship programme offers a practical learning experience in communication and public diplomacy in context of promoting the rule of law and human security and provides interns with the opportunity to work in a multicultural intergovernmental organization.

The Internship is for 6 months, UNPAID and full-time. Interns work 5 days per week (40 hours) under the supervision of the Deputy Regional Representative, UNODC Regional Office in Eastern Africa.

Please visit the UNODC Eastern Africa website for more information: https://www.unodc.org/easternafrica/

Responsibilities

The intern shall undertake the following duties:

– Support the collection, review and documentation of human-interest stories and other relevant information for the purpose of effective communications.
– Contribute to the preparation of background documents, presentations, summaries, talking points and speeches.
– Support the preparation of briefing material and other documentation for meetings and events with stakeholders and partners, including other UN agencies.
– Supports writing, reviewing and updating social media content to raise visibility of the Programme’s work.
– Engages in outreach and communication efforts to promote and support various public advocacy campaigns and activities.
– Assists with the drafting of a variety of written materials, such as background papers, analyses, sections of reports and studies, contributions to publications, etc.
– Perform other tasks as necessary.

Competencies

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.

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.

TEAMWORK:
Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met:

– Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent). (OFFICIAL WRITTEN PROOF FROM THE UNIVERSITY SUPPORTING ONE OF THE ABOVE POSSIBILITIES MUST BE ATTACHED TO THE INSPIRA APPLICATION);

– Studies in the areas of law, international relations, criminology or political science are required.

– Be computer literate in standard software applications.

– Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and

– 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

For the internship advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment

Short-listed candidates may be contracted directly if further information is needed during the review of their application. Due to the high volume of applications received, candidates who have not been short listed will not be contacted.

Special Notice

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions.

A completed online application (Cover Note, Personal History Profile as well as proof of enrolment and/or graduation) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

The Cover Note must include:
– Degree Programme (What are you currently studying?)
– Graduation Date (When will you graduate or when did you graduate from the programme?)
– List the IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in.
– List your top three areas of interest.
– Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship.
– Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme in general and this assignment in particular.

In your online Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences, IT skills, and three references. Do not forget to attach your proof of enrolment or graduation.

Due to the 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.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.

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.