Communications Intern

Internship Communications & PR

Overview

Assist in developing and implementing communication plans and campaigns aligned with UN objectives.

You have:

• Bachelor’s degree in international relations, sustainable development, political science, communications or a related field; either obtained recently or in progress (preferably in the final year).
• Familiarity in developing audio-visual content, including basic graphic design and video editing skills using Canva and/or other tools.
• Familiarity with popular social media platforms (Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram), including identifying social media trends.
• Skilled in capturing photographs and straightforward videos.
• Experience in developing or coordinating communications or public outreach initiatives would be an advantage.
• Fluency in oral and written English is required.
• Knowledge in one of the local languages 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

Colombo

Expected duration

6 months starting from 01.09.2025

Duties and Responsibilities

The Communications Intern is positioned at the United Nations Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Sri Lanka, and reports to the Communications and Advocacy Officer of the RCO, working closely with the Communications and Reporting Specialist. The intern will support in developing and implementing communication work plans and campaigns, aligned with the UN objectives. UN Resident Coordinator Offices support countries in the achievement of their development priorities and the attainment of the SDGs. Under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator -- the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System and Representative of the UN Secretary-General at country level -- the RCO supports and facilitates cooperation and coordination among programmes, funds and agencies in the country for both resident and non-resident UN entities. The intern will work under the supervision of the Communications Officer, with input and guidance from the Communications and Reporting Specialist to: 1. Assist in developing audio-visual materials, including capturing photographs and videos, and editing basic videos. 2. Design visibility materials such as social media posts, infographics, brochures, etc. 3. Support in the smooth functioning of the UN Sri Lanka social media platforms, including drafting and designing social media posts under guidance, publishing posts, identifying noteworthy posts from other UN agencies’ to be shared on the UN Sri Lanka platforms, monitoring impact of social media posts, etc. 4. Support the Communications Unit in organizing events by liaising with external and internal partners on logistical matters. 5. Support the unit in updating the UN Sri Lanka website to ensure it effectively functions as an outreach tool. 6. Provide coordination and administrative assistance to support staff in the planning and execution of communication campaigns. 7. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/special skills

Education: Bachelor’s degree in international relations, sustainable development, political science, communications or a related field; either obtained recently or in progress (preferably in the final year). 1. Familiarity in developing audio-visual content, including basic graphic design and video editing skills using Canva and/or other tools. 2. Familiarity with popular social media platforms (Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram), including identifying social media trends. 3. Skilled in capturing photographs and straightforward videos. 4. Experience in developing or coordinating communications or public outreach initiatives would be an advantage.

Languages

Language: Fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge in one of the local languages is desirable. NOTE: "Fluency equals a rating of "fluent" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and " Knowledge of" equals a rating of " confident" in two of the four areas.

Additional Information

This is a full-time role for which the selected candidate is expected to report to office from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (approximately 40 hours per week), unless otherwise instructed. Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns.

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.

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Potential interview questions

Added 10 months ago - Updated 9 months ago - Source: careers.un.org