Strategic Communication Intern - Advocacy on Gender and Inclusivity (Hybrid)

Job Description

Work Location: In-Person/Hybrid/Remote

Expected duration: 3 to 6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is responsible for providing leadership, operational support and oversight of the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) globally. As a global leader in security risk management principles, UNDSS enables the safe and effective delivery of United Nations programmes and activities in the most complex and challenging environments, while maximizing precious resources.

To this end, the work of the Department is aligned under a clear mission, to enable United Nations system programme activities through trusted security leadership and solutions.

This is a unique opportunity to join a diverse, dynamic and exciting organization gaining unique and valuable experience where security provides great value. Besides the opportunity to gain new skills and further advance security expertise, this position offers a fulfilling environment that gives you satisfaction by contributing directly or indirectly to peace and security, human rights and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Simply, all humanity will be benefiting from your work. Together, we can make the world a better place.

For more information on the Department, and how we make an impact on the world in enabling the achievement of SDGs, visit: https://www.un.org/undss/.

This internship opportunity is located in the Office of the Assistant-Secretary-General (OASG), in the Gender and Inclusivity Unit (GIU), within UNDSS. The Gender and Inclusivity Unit plays a crucial role in promoting gender equality and inclusive practices within the Department, ensuring that diverse perspectives are integrated into security policies and programs.

The duration of the internship is for a period of three (3) to six (6) months, depending on the needs of the Department. The internship is UNPAID and full-time. Interns work five days (35 hours) per week under the supervision of a staff member in the office to which they are assigned.

This internship is designed to be in person and full-time (35 hours or more). Depending on the situation of the successful candidate, the internship may also be conducted remotely and/or part time.

Within assigned authority, the intern is expected to undertake the following duties:

• Assist the Gender and Inclusion Unit with strategic communication and outreach on issues related to gender;
• Conduct research and analysis on gender and inclusivity;
• Assist with monitoring media and social media trends to inform the design of multimedia products, stories and content for digital platforms including the DSS website, SharePoint and social media platforms on gender and inclusivity;
• Support the planning and execution of campaigns, thematic events, panel discussions and workshops, including supporting live coverage of events;
• Proactively contribute ideas and suggestions for events, projects and innovative formats that will help to promote communications and build narrative on the work of the unit and Department in the area of gender and inclusivity;
• Assist in drafting and editing summaries, briefs, reports, including donor related, and support the team preparing high quality presentations as needed;
• Ensure timely support in carrying out normative work of the GIU Team which includes the implementation of the Department’s Gender Strategy 2024-2028, the UN-wide Disability Inclusion strategy and other diversity and inclusion portfolios;
• Fulfill other duties as required.

Qualifications/special skills

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met:

1. Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
2. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); or
3. Have graduated with a university degree (as defined above).

OFFICIAL WRITTEN PROOF FROM THE UNIVERSITY SUPPORTING ONE OF THE ABOVE POSSIBILITIES MUST BE ATTACHED TO THE INSPIRA APPLICATION.

Additional requirements:

• Be computer literate and proficient in standard software applications (e.g., MS Office 365 or similar).
• Have a 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.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adhere to deadlines.

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 (Communication, Digital Communication, Mass Communication and Media, Journalism, Public Relations).

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.

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.

Applicants must be computer literate in standard software applications (e.g., MS Office 365) and be able to produce well-formatted, high-quality PowerPoint presentations, Word documents, and Excel workbooks.

Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite or similar software is not required, but desirable.

Ability to draft articles and make concise notes is desirable.

Strong knowledge of one or more analytics and presentation tools (e.g., Power BI, Excel, PowerPoint) is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the internship advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Fluency in French (both oral and written) is desirable.

DEADLINE: Feb 17, 2026