Communication Intern

In order to engage the gears of innovation proactively, the United Nations Office of information and Communication Technology (OICT) is establishing “United Nations Technology Innovation Labs” (UNTIL). Using cutting edge frontier technology currently available, such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, internet of things and the use of drones to answer Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) challenges, UNTIL aims at using technological innovation to resolve day to day issues. In line with the ICT Strategy (A/69/517) approved by the UN General Assembly at its 69th session, OICT is establishing new UNTIL labs locations: Europe, Africa and Asia. Labs in other regions are planned for a second implementation phase in response to specific Member State’s host requests.

The objective of establishing UNTIL labs worldwide is to provide the necessary space for practitioners, creative minds, UN personnel, academia, governments, start-up companies and established tech giants to come together to enable the development of new and innovative technologies as well as creative ideas on how to implement the UN mandates through modern software solutions. The labs will serve as a platform for networking, creativity and exchange. The UNTIL global programme will also support the sharing of best practices and proven tech solutions by expanding their reach from one country/lab to other countries and regions.

Each UNTIL lab solely focuses on developing technological innovations related to 3 to 4 thematic areas. These thematic areas are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and are mutually agreed between UN-OICT and the host country. All technology solutions developed by UNTIL will be open source and hence available to all Member States to adopt.

Recognizing that the United Nations’ ability to innovate and engage in partnerships will be a significant factor in whether Member States will be successful in their efforts to implement the SDGs and, in fact, the broader mandates of the United Nations, UNTIL plans to establish partnerships with leading ICT companies (Google, Microsoft, IBM, etc.), creative start-ups companies, as well as academic institutions. UNTIL also welcome individuals from all nations to participate in UNTIL projects and events.

For each UNTIL lab to be able to deliver on its mandate, an initial staffing of 20 to 30 engineers + 15% management and admin staff is necessary. The midterm goal is for UNTIL to reach a global workforce of 100 engineers within the third year of operations with some of the staff seconded from partner academia and private companies.

The physical location of each lab is an essential element for the success of the initiative. In order to fully engage local expertise, UNTIL labs are embedded within a planned/existing innovation ecosystem (Technology institute or academia, Technology incubator, Tech accelerators, etc.).

With respect to the governance of the UNTIL programme, each lab has a local advisory group which will provide strategic advice and guidance. The advisory group is co-chaired by the UN Resident Coordinator in the country (where present) and a high-level representative from the host country. The advisory group will also include representatives from private-sector, academia and other partners. A UNTIL global programme advisory group is also established in New York to oversee the implementation of the initiative globally.

Under the guidance of Project Manager, the intern will be able to develop writing skills and experiences in the areas of development and technology.

The specific tasks include:

• Research, write and manage the Project’s online content, including text, images, video and other media work together with the project management of UNTIL team
• Research and write the online content of UNTIL, and project- related information;
• Maintain the website, ensure it is continuously updated, and drive a continuous process of design renewal, to ensure that both content and design are fresh, contemporary and engaging;
• Produce and edit audio-visual content for the web as needed;
• Produce high-quality presentations and info graphics for meetings, events, and online; Support the other communications tasks as needed.
• Create appealing presentations using Power Point and Adobe Suite programs
• Play a lead role organizing and managing UNTIL events.

• The applicant must be enrolled in a university programme such as Bachelor, Masters or Ph.D. (or the equivalent) or have graduated from such studies within three (3) years prior to the applications date of the internship

• Experience in communications field, work with audio visual content is desirable
• Computer literacy with strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Abode Suite are desirable
• Previous experience with content management systems, social media are desirable
• Familiarity with the work of the United Nations Organization, its mandate, main areas of focus, United nations Bodies, agencies, entities and departments, current priorities issues.

• Applicants must have an excellent knowledge of English with advanced written and verbal skills.
• Knowledge of Finnish is an advantage.

Contract type: internship
Contract level: N/A
Contract duration: 6 months

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.