Communications and Design Intern

Support the United Nations Department of Operational Support with communication and design efforts.

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UN DOS - Department of Operational Support

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Application deadline 10 months ago: Thursday 31 Jul 2025 at 03:59 UTC

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Overview

Support the United Nations Department of Operational Support with communication and design efforts.

You have:

  • Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) or have graduated within the last five years
  • Be computer literate in standard software applications, especially MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint
  • Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter
  • Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs
  • Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage
  • Experience with graphic design applications such as InDesign, Adobe Pro, or other design applications is desirable

Contract

This is a I-1 contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about I-1 contracts.

Work Location

New York

Expected duration

3-6 months. Desired start date: August/September 2025.

Duties and Responsibilities

Office Background The mission of the United Nations Department of Operational Support (DOS) is to help Secretariat entities, including peace operations, departments and offices, succeed by providing rapid, effective, efficient and responsible support services. Its core services include supply chain management, operational human resources management, health-care management, support for uniformed capabilities, support to entities in special situations, information and communications technology (ICT) support, and UNHQ facility management. The Office of the Under-Secretary-General of Operational Support provides direct executive and management support to DOS leadership. Our work covers DOS strategy, performance, and analytics; as well as communication, coordination, and external relations. The internship is unpaid and full-time. Interns work four to five days per week (20 to 35 hours), with supervision and support of a staff member. Interns are expected to come into the office at least three days a week, in keeping with UNHQ-NY hybrid working policies. Internship Duties • Support the establishment and management of DOS's official LinkedIn presence, including initial profile setup, branding, and content strategy development • Curate, create, and design LinkedIn content (e.g., articles, reports, video and other communications materials) that showcases DOS's mission, achievements, and impact across UN operations • Monitor LinkedIn analytics and provide insights on content performance and audience engagement • Support broader communication strategies by leveraging LinkedIn as a key platform for external relations • Design core identity products that illustrate corporate vision, mission and values • Design and prepare content/copy for corporate briefings, presentations, fact sheets, snapshots, articles and other internal and external communications materials • Support the development of websites, including layout, content, look and feel • Provide design support across a range of print and online products • Support the development and implementation of larger communication strategies and efforts

Qualifications/special skills

We are open to a broad range of educational backgrounds. Typically, our Communications and Design interns are pursuing studies in the following areas: Relevant coursework in Communication, Journalism, International Relations, Web Design, Graphic Design, Data Visualization, Marketing. Experience with graphic design applications such as InDesign, Adobe Pro, or other design applications is desirable. Please note that to qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) or have graduated within the last five years; or (b) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's degree or equivalent); and 1) Be computer literate in standard software applications, especially MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint; 2) Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and 3) 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. No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship. Have you completed a UN internship before? If yes, please include the UN entity, as well as assignment dates. We are looking for a team player who is collaborative, reliable, and aware of the latest developments in social media and graphic design, consistently working to support their teammates and the team's goals.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Additional Information

Visa and Work Authorization Mandatory Requirements: For internships in the United States of America, persons who are not United States citizens, permanent residents or on another non-immigrant (such as F1 or J1 visa) status, will be required to obtain a G4 visa. The selected person will be responsible for ensuring that they have a valid visa, and approved employment authorization (CPT/OPT/AT), allowing them to undertake the internship.

Intern Specific text

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

Potential interview questions

Can you describe your experience with graphic design applications and how you've used them in the past? This question helps gauge your familiarity and expertise with the tools required for this internship. Mention specific applications you've used, the type of projects you've worked on, and outcomes of your work.
How do you approach creating content for different audiences on social media? The interviewer wants to understand your strategy for tailoring content to engage diverse audiences. Pro members can see the explanation.
What methods do you use to analyze the performance of your social media content? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a time when you had to collaborate with someone from a different background. How did you ensure effective communication? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What motivates you to work in the field of communications? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you stay informed about the latest trends in social media and graphic design? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide an example of a project where you had to manage multiple tasks or deadlines? How did you prioritize? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What are your career goals and how does this internship fit into them? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 10 months ago - Updated 10 months ago - Source: careers.un.org