Internship- Media Relation West and Central Africa Regional Office

Contract

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

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, an advocate

In close collaboration with the Communication Specialist, the Media Relation Intern, produces advocacy and communication materials that meet the country and global standards as set out in the Communication Toolkit. Nurture relationships with journalists and media outlets covering all media – print, TV, radio, web etc. – in the country, to communicate the story of UNICEF's cooperation to a wider audience.

How can you make a difference?

• Assist in drafting and editing articles, press releases, human interest stories and other advocacy/information materials for both web-based and traditional media, as appropriate.
• Follow up on the production of advocacy and communication materials (e.g., films, videos, audio-visuals, etc.), and oversee the qualitative aspects of production, (e.g., quality control, translations, reviews of layout and graphic design etc.) to meet standards as set out in the Communication Toolkit.
• Establish or maintain an up-to-date documentation for communication materials including publications, press releases and clippings, photographs, audio-visual materials, web resources etc.
• Maintain and update media relations contact list/database. Ensure rapid and accurate information dissemination to the media.
• Assist in drafting and editing articles, press releases, human interest stories and other advocacy/information materials in all media formats, as appropriate.
• Prepare background communication and promotional materials for briefing and visits of media and other special interest groups. Assist in the planning, logistic and administrative arrangements for them.
• Monitor and evaluate the use and effectiveness of media materials. Maintain a library of coverage (clippings, coverage etc.)
• Ensure good quality data collection, analysis and evaluation and reporting to ensure effective communication strategies, planning and effective and efficient advocacy.
• Undertake lessons learned review of successful and unsuccessful communication experiences as directed by supervisor.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Education

• A University degree in Master Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Relations, Social Policy, Broadcast Media other related field or any other university degree.
• One year of relevant work experience in the field of communication is an asset.

• Be enrolled in an advance/undergraduate, or Ph.D. degree programme or have graduated within the past two years.

• Have excellent academic performance as demonstrated by recent university or institution records.

• Have recently graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability in communication, writing, media and marketing
• Understanding in developing and implementing media strategies for non-profit organizations and/or private sector companies, tracking their success and analyzing results
• Demonstrated ability in writing stories for different audiences using different channels
• Demonstrated aptitude in writing briefing notes and press releases and similar communication content
• Proven ability to manage multiple initiatives and priorities within specified timeframes, and consistently achieve project goals.
• Proven understanding of digital strategies.
• High-level communication skills, including engaging in public communication.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• Quick building of rapport with individuals and groups, maintaining an effective network across the organization and externally.
• Understanding of UN and UNICEF programmes and policies is an asset.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in French and English is required.
• Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish), Portuguese or a local language is an asset.

Additional Experience:

• Relevant background in Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are... (1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4)Innovates and embraces change(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6)Thinks and acts strategically (7)Works collaboratively with others.

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.