Communications intern

Contract

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

Background Information - Job-specific

Based in Dakar, UNOPS Senegal Multi-Country Office (SNMCO) covers Francophone and Lusophone West Africa and the Maghreb countries (18 countries). The SNMCO has developed a strong working relationship with the governments and international development partners over the last decades. We support our partners in key development areas such as infrastructure; project management; capacity development and management services such as procurement and human resources.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Communications Senior officer, the Communications intern will work in the SNMCO office based in Dakar (subject to change to Diamniadio, which is 36 km away from Dakar). He / She will support the SNMCO’s communication and visibility activities in West and North Africa by implementing the Communications strategy and plans for various regional projects.

The incumbent will be responsible for the following specific tasks. A detailed work plan will be established upon his/her arrival.

Communication and visibility

• Support the implementation of Senegal MCO communication strategy and plans, as well as relevant engagement with other project offices and units in the region
• Assist in drafting high-quality copy for external news stories, press releases, human-compelling stories, and digital content, focusing on digital platforms
• Support the quality management of SNMCO Twitter accounts by drafting, reviewing, and updating digital assets
• Provide quality design support using Adobe Creative Suite – especially Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere Pro - for producing digital content such as infographics, social media cards, brochures, videos, etc.
• Support the editing and publishing of project updates, factsheets, photos, videos and other materials for internal and external publication
• Contribute to the development and drafting of concept notes, proposals, presentations, etc
• Support the preparation of external communication materials customized for target key audiences such as donors, UN agencies, governments, foundations, NGOs, civil society and the private sector
• Support the strategic planning of communication campaigns for UN international days and other corporate initiatives
• Support the presence and active participation of UNOPS in the UN Communication Group in Senegal by liaising with UNCG colleagues
• Assist in the planning, monitoring and evaluation of communication activities for projects across SNMCO
• Perform any other duties within their professional competence as required to support in strengthening the visibility of UNOPS and SNMCO in the region

Knowledge Management

• Ensure that organizational systems are updated and populated frequently with the communication and visibility materials, including the intranet and the shared Drive
• When needed, take minutes at internal and/or external meetings, providing action points for follow-up
• Liaise with the Communications colleagues in the Africa Region office and Headquarters and project communication focal points to seek and share knowledge

Event Organization

• Research national, regional and international events to track and screen opportunities for possible UNOPS visibility and identify trends that drive visibility opportunities
• Assist in the preparation and organization of internal and external events for UN international days, project milestones and other regional and corporate initiatives
• Assist with developing outreach and other events in coordination with the HQ Communication Group and SNMCO units.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Candidates must be currently enrolled in, or have recently completed (within 3 years prior to the application date of the internship) a Bachelor/Master’s/Ph.D. Degree in international relations, developmental studies, journalism, communications or related field
• Professional qualification proven equivalent to a university degree shall be considered

• Completion of an Advanced University Degree in the relevant areas is a strong asset

  Experience

• Working knowledge of digital content production using design programmes (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, etc.) is required

• Prior social media and/or communications experience is preferred
• Knowledge of digital media, visual communications and interactive storytelling methods is highly desired
• An understanding of development, humanitarian or international affairs is preferred

• Experience in the usage of computers and software packages (Google Suite/Workspace Office) and experience in handling web-based systems is highly desirable

  Language requirements

• Fluency in French (Written and Spoken) is required

• Working knowledge of English is required
• Knowledge of Arabic and local languages in West Africa is an asset

Functional competencies

• Researching, writing and editing content that is clear, concise and effectively conveys key messages to target audiences
• Working knowledge of software packages for publication such as Adobe Creative Suite – especially InDesign, Photoshop or other relevant products commonly used
• Detail-focused and ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type, level and duration

• Contract type: Internship
• Contract level: N/A
• Contract duration: 6 months (Renewable up to 12 months in total, subject to the incumbent’s performance and fund availability)

This internship is not designed to lead to a staff position with UNOPS. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of the internship.

Interns may be eligible for a monthly stipend from UNOPS, provided that they do not receive funds from other institutions. Further, UNOPS may provide a one-time travel lumpsum of 500 USD. However, they must make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and necessary visa arrangements.

For more details about UNOPS internships please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Internships-and-volunteering.aspx

Additional Information

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions - All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - Senegal

Senegal

Located in Dakar, the UNOPS office in Senegal has developed a strong working relation with the Governments of West Africa and North Africa and international partners over the years. It provides technical support in strategic development areas including inclusive and sustainable infrastructure; procurement and related capacity building; environmental protection.