The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is the UN headquarters in Africa and the Director-General of UNON is the representative of the Secretary-General in Kenya. UNON supports programme implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Resident Coordination System (RCS) globally, as well as other UN offices in Kenya, by providing administrative, security, conference and information services (www.unon.org).
This position is located in the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), Division of Administrative Services Conference Facilities Project, Nairobi, Kenya.
UNON Conference Facilities Project (CFP) is intended to address the deteriorating conditions and limited capacity of the conference facilities at the United Nations Offices at Nairobi (UNON). This project is currently at construction phase. This position will be located in the UNON Division of Administrative Services, Programme Management Section of the CFP, and the incumbent will report to the Chief, Programme Management Section.
The UNON, Communications internship is for 6 months.
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.
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 team lead, the intern will assist with the following duties and responsibilities:
- Planning and shooting high quality photos and videos to capture various milestones of the project.
- Transform raw footage into compelling stories through creative editing.
- Regularly update the UN internet websites and UNON intranet sites with project articles and stories in support of the overall CFP Communication Strategy.
- Support development of the CFP social media strategy and coordinate its implementation.
- Serve as focal point for CFP social media accounts. Monitor and moderate comments on social media posts, intervening as appropriate to guide a story/conversation.
- Prepare brochures, presentations and other marketing material to solicit Voluntary Contributions or in-kind contributions from Member States and other potential donors for various aspects of the project.
- Draft/compile information and communication products for target audiences, including press releases, reports, brochures, briefings, video clips, newsletters, etc.
- Focus communication on project updates including the ‘sustainability’ and ‘accessibility for persons with disabilities’ initiatives, which are key drivers of the project.
- Organize or participate in the organization of conferences, official high-level visits, press briefings, meetings etc.
- Prepares presentations and briefing materials for officials prior to their participation in such events.
- Works with the Communication focal points at United Nations Information Service (UNIS) and Office of the Office of the Director General to share information and create awareness on the CFP.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
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 in the past two years.
Be computer literate in standard software applications (MS Office Suite).
Demonstrate 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 study: Studies in Journalism and Communication, Development Studies, Public Relations, International Relations, or 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.
Experience in developing information/communications products for target audiences such press releases, reports, brochures, briefings, photographs, video clips, newsletters, catalogues is desirable.
Good understanding of camera work, lighting, and composition is required.
Knowledge of photography, video and graphic editing tools is required
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 position, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
