UNDP South Africa is hiring for a Communications Intern

admin June 16, 2023

4 minutes read

DEADLINE: 28 June 2023

UNDP South Africa is hiring for a Communications Intern

UNDP is the UN’s global development network whose focus is to help countries build and share solutions to the challenges of sustainable development as informed by the 2030 sustainable development agenda. The overarching goal of the strategic partnership between the government of South Africa and UNDP is to advance South Africa’s strategic priorities to work for a more resilient South Africa. To achieve this, UNDP occupies itself with unlocking much-needed expertise and finances required by the country. Linking the global agenda to national development priorities as outlined in the National Development Plan to ensure that all resources invested yield outcomes which translate to better lives for people.

Under the overall supervision and guidance of the UNDP Communications Analyst, the Communications Intern will support the management and implementation of the Country Office (CO) communications and publication strategies which are geared to influence the development agenda, promote public and media outreach, and mobilize political and financial support for UNDP. They will work closely with the Communications Analyst in providing hands-on support to the communications needs of UNDP’s programmes, projects and activities. The Communications Intern will support the Communications Analyst in working in close collaboration with the CO Programme and Operations teams, and focal points of the various UN agencies (including the UN Communications Group) and promotes the work of the CO to all external stakeholders (and internal stakeholders, as necessary), including government, the donor community, civil society, media, academia, and the UN system.

UNDP’s communications strategy is intended to increase UNDP South Africa’s visibility, market successful projects, document successes and best practices, improve internal communication and strengthen media relations to keep the public and stakeholders (including government, civil society, other UN agencies, private sector, development partners) informed about our role and activities. Communication is central if UNDP is to effectively carry out its duties with and among its stakeholders. To this end, the communication unit is looking to employ a full-time intern who is interested in gaining experience and providing support to this work.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Communications Analyst and the overall guidance of the Resident Representative of UNDP, the intern will undertake the following tasks:

assist with profiling UNDP programmes and projects;
assist with the production of UNDP communication products including newsletters, bulletins, pamphlets, and other visibility and knowledge products.
assist with producing issues-based print stories for the website that communicate UNDP’s results in South Africa;
assist with designing/managing the UNDP digital communications strategy and updating UNDP website content and r social media platforms (Facebook, YouTube, Twitter) with information about project activities and events;
assist with maintaining updated media and partners contact lists;
assist in creating a knowledge repository of communication-related aspects for the organization;
assist in partnership building and resource mobilization processes.
assist in with event planning, as well as providing communications support such as photography/videography, developing social media toolkits, and communications plans;
assist in communications-related administrative processes such as procurement of external services, software, and other relevant admin-centred functions;
and performs any other duties as required.

Furthermore, interns are encouraged to:

Increase their understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals and South Africa’s National Development Plan;
Share their academic knowledge of communications for development with Country Office staff and other UN Agencies in South Africa;
Benefit from briefings and capacity-building activities organized by the national and regional office and other UN Agencies in South Africa to gain insight into the work of the United Nations and UNDP.

Competencies

Excellent written and spoken English.
Knowledge of other South African languages will be an added advantage.
Good organisational skills;
Good interpersonal skills;
Excellent computer literacy in standard software applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint);
Knowledge of video and digital editing software will be an added advantage
Proficiency in the use of digital and social media platforms;
Good research and analytical skills;
Ability to work independently and as a team member;

Sensitivity to political, cultural and national differences and adaptability to multicultural environments.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

Have graduated with a Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing or related fields.

Experience: Relevant experience in similar positions, public relations, communications, or journalism would be an added advantage.

Applicant information about UNDP vacancy

Note: 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.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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