Writer for Web Content Intern -Remote

Background

United Nations Volunteers (UNV) provides global citizens with an opportunity to volunteer across the three pillars of the United Nations system: development; peace and security; and human rights. UNV was created as an operational partner in international development (GA resolution 2659 (XXV) (1970)). Administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNV advocates for the recognition of volunteers, works with partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and helps to mobilize volunteers throughout the world.  

UNV engages the United Nations system, Member States, civil society and the private sector in promoting an environment conducive to volunteerism and volunteers, thus enhancing the sustainability of development results. Through its UNV Strategic Framework 2022–2025, it seeks to leverage volunteerism for the Sustainable Development Goals.  

UNV is active in some 170 countries, representing over 180 nationalities.  

UNV is headquartered in Bonn, Germany along with presence in regions and field units around the world.

The External Relations and Communications Section (ERCS) builds and nurtures corporate donor relations, strategically leads the donor resource mobilization platform and conducts coherent communications efforts to highlight the value of volunteerism for peace and development and the contributions of UNV and UN Volunteers.

The Intern Writer for Web Content will have the opportunity to learn about the work carried out by UN Volunteers with UN agencies in the field to advance peace and development, and to contribute to publicize and promote their work by creating and updating web content to publish on UNV’s online communications platforms.

This internship is a perfect fit for a student of communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or international development, looking to expand her/his career in the field of global communications.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direction of Communications Specialist [Editorial], the intern is expected to:

•     Research topics such as volunteerism, peace, development, human rights and others that are relevant and help in getting inspiration to create content for the web and other communications writing.
•     Write content coming from the regional offices and field units by reviewing drafts and revising per UNV content guidelines.
•     Write original content for the web and/or other corporate communications needs such as messaging.
•     Participate in editorial content planning meetings and proactively take part in brainstorming discussions.
•     Interview UN Volunteers/Online Volunteers and compile these in the form of editorial content
•     Update present content on the website per latest reports
•     Maintain the inventory of web content
•     Keep a grasp on new trends in writing and new ways of showcasing editorial content 
•     Contribute to UNV’s communications efforts with fresh ideas and innovative approaches.

Competencies

•     Achieve results:  plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
•     Think innovatively: open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
•     Learn continuously:  open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
•     Adapt with agility:  adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
•     Act with determination:  shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
•     Engage and partner:  demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
•     Enable diversity and inclusion:  appreciates/respects differences, aware of unconscious bias, confronts discrimination
 

Required Skills and Experience

•     Excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
•     Experience in journalistic writing for external outlets such as news platforms and international media
•     Experience in writing in a simple and uncomplicated manner, which is easy to read for all types of audiences
•     Experience in copyediting;
•     Experience in using Photoshop to edit photos for web content
•     Research abilities and strong interest and knowledge of global events
•     Creative open-minded team player, willing to learn and grow, is organized and respects deadlines
•     Prior knowledge of Drupal preferred
•     In addition to an excellent knowledge of English, fluency in another official United Nations language is an asset.
 

Applicants to UNV internships must at the time of application meet one of the following academic requirements:

(a)    Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher);

(b)    Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);

(c)    Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;

(d)    Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this programme.
 

General Terms and Conditions

•     UNDP Conditions of Service for interns apply for interns working at UNV Headquarters.

•     Where an intern is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation or scholarship programme, a stipend intended to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station, will be paid by UNV.

•     The monthly amount of the stipend will be determined based on the stipend rates published yearly by the OHR Policy and Compensation Unit. The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.

•     The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNV but to complement an intern's studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.

•     UNV accepts no responsibility for the intern's medical insurance or for costs arising from illness during the internship. Interns are required to provide proof of medical insurance coverage.

•     Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Short-listed candidates may be requested provide samples of their graphic design and video work, and to take a written test and/or interview.

Incomplete applications will not be considered
 

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.