Communications and Programme Support Interns  

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Job Purpose and Organizational Context

UNDP’s HIV and Health Group (HHG) includes pillars emphasizing the reduction of inequalities and social exclusion that drive HIV and poor health as well as the promotion of effective and inclusive governance for health. Globally and within Africa, this work includes an emphasis on populations that are marginalized and excluded because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics (LGBTI populations).

In 2020, UNDP HHG established the #WeBelongAfrica Programme (WBA) which integrates two projects, namely the “Inclusive Governance Initiative” (IGI) and the “Southern Africa Young Key Population Initiative” (SAYKPI). The programme is designed to support state entities in sub-Saharan Africa to become increasingly accountable and responsive to, and inclusive of, LGBTI people and young key populations (YKPs), which in turn will contribute to better laws, more responsive public sector services, and social norms that affirm these populations’ perspectives, needs and rights. The WBA programme, therefore, intends to contribute to the strengthened commitment and capacity of African decision makers to be responsive and accountable to, and inclusive of, sexual and gender minorities and young key populations; to understand and support their rights and perspectives; and to promote equitable sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and HIV outcomes.

WBA aims to achieve the following outcomes:

• Strengthened capacity of LGBTI and YKP activists and allies from other SDG-focused social movements (gender equality, poverty alleviation, health for all, etc.) to sensitize and influence relevant decision-makers and to hold authorities to account.
• Increased inclusion, participation, representation, and influence of diverse African LGBTI populations and young key populations, and their allies, in relevant laws, policy, strategies, and decision-making.
• Relevant national-level plans, strategies and guidelines related to HIV and SRHR that increasingly reflect countries’ international human rights and public health commitments.
• Increased use of African ideas, evidence and innovations that support LGBTI and YKP inclusive governance and related work.
• Sustained and increased international donor funding for LGBTI and key population regional work in Africa.

Over the last four years, the programme has implemented several interventions that promote the inclusion of LGBTI issues in the SDGs; brokered partnerships between LGBTI CSOs and activists with decision makers; sustained engagement of parliamentarians and judges on LGBTI issues and the need for legal reform; and published knowledge products aimed at guiding and influencing SDGs policy reform processes. An online LGBTI community hub has also been established for increasing visibility of LGBTI issues and access to relevant information.

UNDP is now recruiting two interns to work with the WBA communication team and programme team to support public advocacy and research; programme coordination and events management; communication and managing the WBA social media channels; crafting publicity and communication materials; promoting published products such as publications and impact stories; and providing support to the broader programme activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Working closely with the WBA communication and programmes teams, one intern will support the management of the programme communications work and the other will support with organizing events, meetings, and preparation of reports (documentation).

More specifically, the communications intern will:

1. Coordinate and develop periodic analytics reports and support the development of strategies for increasing performance.
2. Ideate and produce high-impact social media content in multiple formats (e.g., infographics, GIFs, videos, etc.), that effectively informs and engages external audiences and supports advocacy efforts.
3. Support the crafting of publicity and communication materials, including PowerPoint presentations, speeches, blogs, and stories, and develop marketing plans for disseminating knowledge products.
4. Working closely with the WBA communication team, monitor current events and trending topics and spot strategic opportunities for meaningful engagement and increased visibility for WBA.
5. Provide support to any other activities related to the WBA programme.

The programme intern will:

1. Assist the Programme team with day-to-day implementation of the WBA regional programme activities including support to partners, organization of events and meetings and preparation of reports.
2. Assist in research and monitoring of LGBTI inclusion and rights issues in WBA’s priority and additional focus countries in Africa.
3. Assist with updates of tools, collection and reporting of relevant data and information for measuring success of the programme.
4. Assist in identifying key stakeholders for potential engagement with UNDP WBA including, parliamentarians, senior civil servants, key development NGOs in the region focused on the SDGs, religious leaders and other decision-makers and influencer.
5. Facilitate knowledge building, usage and dissemination of products generated and published by the HHD regional team, its partners and other relevant institutions in the continent including supporting the translation and review of some knowledge products.
6. Provide support to any other activities related to the WBA programme.

Competencies

• Understanding of LGBTI and young key populations issues in developing countries and sensitivity to working with front-line activists.
• Understanding of strategic communication and how it can contribute to the achievement of specific development goals.
• Understanding of the various communication mediums and platforms and how they can be strategically leveraged to achieve desired outcomes related to social change and social justice.
• Ability to engage with a wide range of partners and forge productive working relationships.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task.
• Responsible, responsive, enthusiastic.
• Strong attention to detail; and
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Interns are selected on a competitive basis. Applicants to UNDP internships must at the time of application meet one of the following academic requirements:

Education

1. Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher);
2. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);
3. Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;
4. Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.

Experience

Communication: Ability to summarize a large amount of information and translate it into a compelling product for a public audience.

Software skills: Strong IT skills including full competency in MS Office/365 and social media platforms. Good knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and Canva is an asset.

Language skills: Fluency in English is required and additional fluency in French or Portuguese is an asset.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

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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