The Department of Global Communications/Strategic Communication division internship is for two months with an opportunity for extension, pending on the needs of the department and the availability of the candidate. 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. This internship is located in the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Lagos, within the Information Centers Service (ICS), Strategic Communications Division (SCD), Department of Global Communications (DGC).
Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual's background; the intern's assigned office as well as the internship period. Duties may include, but are not limited to:
•Compile Daily news headlines from Nigerian media indicating the main news articles of relevance to the United Nations;
•Ensure appropriate content is updated daily on the social media platforms of UNIC Lagos;
•Draft news articles and press releases on key events of the UN;
•Contribute to the organization of commemorative events such UN days observances, UDHR and SDGs campaign, press conference, educational/Media outreaches, etc.;
•Prepare concept notes for events/support planning of events
•Monitor UN News and Media products from HQ to get those relevant to Nigeria.
•Monitor activities of social media platforms of other UN entities in Nigeria to identify possible content useful for UNIC Lagos platforms;
•Participate in ongoing UN communication campaigns;
•Participate in and take notes of selected meetings of importance to the Centre;
•Draft statements/talking points/presentations for Director or NIO on events/activities of the Centre;
•Assist the back office with the implementation of administrative tasks (draft responses, filing, etc.)
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 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 seek to see things from their point of view. Establish and maintain productive partnerships with customers
by gaining their trust and respect. Identify customer needs and find ways to meet them.Follow the evolution of the situation of customers, both inside and outside, in order to be able to anticipateThe problems. Keep clients informed of the progress of projects. Meet deadlines for delivery of products or service delivery.
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 a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
(b) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent); or
(c) have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the internship;
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.
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 for is desirable
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English is required for the internship. Knowledge of Hausa, Igbo or Yoruba languages is desirable.
Only Potential candidates will be contacted by the hiring manager directly for further consideration.
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 graduate or when did you graduate from the program?)
- List the IT skills and programs 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 Program. In your online Personal History Profile,
be sure to include all past work experiences, IT skills, and three references.
Due to the high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted.
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.
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.
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.