Join the United Nations Information Service in Nairobi as a Public Information Intern and support vital communications initiatives. You’ll assist with photography, content creation, social media, and event support, directly contributing to the UN’s mission in Africa. Ideal candidates are studying communications, journalism, or related fields. Ready to make a difference? Apply now!
The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is the UN headquarters in Africa and the representative office of the Secretary-General. We support programme implementation of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) globally, as well as other UN offices in Kenya, by providing administrative, conference, and information services ( www.unon.org ).
This internship is located in United Nations Information Service (UNIS), Nairobi.
The United Nations Information Service (UNIS) Nairobi, is part of the Department of Global Communications – it promotes and communicates the United Nations’ work in Kenya, Uganda, and the Seychelles. It shares accurate and timely information about UN initiatives—especially the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—with the media, governments, and civil society. Its main roles include conducting public outreach campaigns, managing media relations and accreditation, engaging with NGOs, youth, and academic institutions, and serving as a regional hub for information about UN activities.
The intern will be under the supervision of UNIS’s Public Information Officer.
The Internship is UNPAID and full-time.
Interns work five days per week (35 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned.
Duties and Responsibilities
Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual’s background, the intern’s assigned office as well as the internship period.
Under the direct supervision of the Public Information Officer, the intern will:
- Assist in Photography assignments. Ensure that all requests and instructions from UNIS pertaining to photography/videography requirements are fulfilled, including production of short videos in line with current digital audience needs,
- Assist in drafting meeting highlights for the UN Communications Group-Kenya (UNCG) and the UN Information Service(UNIS) Nairobi,
- Assist with receiving guests, media personnel at the UNON entrance during main events,
- Assist with translation of content and sharing with relevant partners,
- Assist with Rapporteurs assignments,
- Assist with setting up UNIS Nairobi meetings and highlights,
- Assist with drafting stories show casing the results of UN’s work from reports,
- Assist in researching and writing short pieces of content for UNIS platforms, outreach events and other activities,
- Assist in creating new and compelling visual assets using programs such as Canva, Adobe In-design, Illustrator for UNIS social media platforms and website,
- Assist in drafting content for the UNIS Nairobi social media platforms and website and enhancing interactivity,
- Assist in daily media monitoring and gathering newspaper headlines,
- Assist in increasing online engagements on Facebook live with youths in line with the UNIS advocacy campaigns and event,
- Assist in setting up registrations for participants including media accreditation and registration,
- Any other assignments to assist UNIS Nairobi activities.
Qualifications/special skills
Applicants must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:
a. Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher),
b. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent),
c. Have graduated with Bachelor’s degree, Masters, PhD or equivalent. Be computer literate in standard software applications (MicroSoft Office Suite).
Have demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter.
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.
Preferred areas of studies: Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Social Sciences, Graphic Design, IT or any other related field. Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required. Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. Programme.
Skilled in Photography, Videography and editing is desirable. Either skill is preferred.
Technical ability to upload stories and short videos on social media platforms. Give examples of related experience.
Computer literacy in the use of computers and standard software (e.g. Word Excel, PowerPoint) is required.
Knowledge of applications (including any for graphic design and photo editing such as Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere and/or After Effects, and Canva) is desirable.
Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.
Intern Specific text
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. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.
