Dutystation: Dakar, Senegal
Functional responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of the Communications Senior officer, the Communications intern will work in the SNMCO office based in Dakar (subject to change to Diamniadio, which is 36 km away from Dakar). He / She will support the SNMCO’s communication and visibility activities in West and North Africa by implementing the Communications strategy and plans for various regional projects.
The incumbent will be responsible for the following specific tasks. A detailed work plan will be established upon his/her arrival.
Communication and visibility
Support the implementation of Senegal MCO communication strategy and plans, as well as relevant engagement with other project offices and units in the region
Assist in drafting high-quality copy for external news stories, press releases, human-compelling stories, and digital content, focusing on digital platforms
Support the quality management of SNMCO Twitter accounts by drafting, reviewing, and updating digital assets
Provide quality design support using Adobe Creative Suite – especially Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere Pro - for producing digital content such as infographics, social media cards, brochures, videos, etc.
Support the editing and publishing of project updates, factsheets, photos, videos and other materials for internal and external publication
Contribute to the development and drafting of concept notes, proposals, presentations, etc
Support the preparation of external communication materials customized for target key audiences such as donors, UN agencies, governments, foundations, NGOs, civil society and the private sector
Support the strategic planning of communication campaigns for UN international days and other corporate initiatives
Support the presence and active participation of UNOPS in the UN Communication Group in Senegal by liaising with UNCG colleagues
Assist in the planning, monitoring and evaluation of communication activities for projects across SNMCO
Perform any other duties within their professional competence as required to support in strengthening the visibility of UNOPS and SNMCO in the region
Knowledge Management
Ensure that organizational systems are updated and populated frequently with the communication and visibility materials, including the intranet and the shared Drive
When needed, take minutes at internal and/or external meetings, providing action points for follow-up
Liaise with the Communications colleagues in the Africa Region office and Headquarters and project communication focal points to seek and share knowledge
Event Organization
Research national, regional and international events to track and screen opportunities for possible UNOPS visibility and identify trends that drive visibility opportunities
Assist in the preparation and organization of internal and external events for UN international days, project milestones and other regional and corporate initiatives
Assist with developing outreach and other events in coordination with the HQ Communication Group and SNMCO units.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education
Candidates must be currently enrolled in, or have recently completed (within 3 years prior to the application date of the internship) a Bachelor/Master’s/Ph.D. Degree in international relations, developmental studies, journalism, communications or related field
Professional qualification proven equivalent to a university degree shall be considered
Completion of an Advanced University Degree in the relevant areas is a strong asset
Experience
Working knowledge of digital content production using design programmes (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, etc.) is required
Prior social media and/or communications experience is preferred
Knowledge of digital media, visual communications and interactive storytelling methods is highly desired
An understanding of development, humanitarian or international affairs is preferred
Experience in the usage of computers and software packages (Google Suite/Workspace Office) and experience in handling web-based systems is highly desirable
Language requirements
Functional competencies
Researching, writing and editing content that is clear, concise and effectively conveys key messages to target audiences
Working knowledge of software packages for publication such as Adobe Creative Suite – especially InDesign, Photoshop or other relevant products commonly used
Detail-focused and ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment
TOGETHER, WE BUILD THE FUTURE
UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.
Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.
We are proud of our people and embrace diversity and are committed to equal employment opportunities. Our workforce brings together approximately 160 nationalities, represented by over 5,000 UNOPS personnel as well as some 7,800 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners. Spread across 80 countries from a range of backgrounds, and languages and have different gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities.
We encourage women and candidates from underrepresented groups in UNOPS to apply. These include candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.