News Writing / Reporting – Public Information Intern

The internship is located in the French Language Unit, UN News Section I of the News and Media Division, Department of Global Communications, which produces news and feature stories on multimedia platforms including radio, video, photo and web. This internship is for two (2) months with an opportunity for extension up to six (6) months, pending the needs of the department. The internship is unpaid and full-time. Interns work five days per week (35 hours) under the overall supervision of the Chief of the French Unit, UN News Section I. It is designed to be an in-person internship. 

un.org/en/sections/departments/department-global-communications/ The Unit is looking for interns who wish to gain hands-on experience in the UN newsroom, particularly in the production of daily news, in-depth features and other multimedia products in French. The intern’s duties will include:

• Drafting French news articles by integrating and translating information from various sources, including reports, press releases, official statements, resolutions, etc.
• Proofreading news articles before and after publication.
• Assist with fact-checking and background research.
• Assist in the production of graphic, visual and audio content.  The intern will be encouraged to work on feature stories and conduct research and interviews, and draft feature stories.
• Reviewing the partnerships database by collaborating with the UN Partnerships Unit and looking for new digital media and other partners, including finding trustworthy entities that work on fact-checking and media literacy.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including outreach.

Qualifications/special skills

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations New York Headquarters Internship Programme, Department of Global Communications, the following conditions must be met:

• Applicants must: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school programme in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, English or translation studies (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or (b) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree programme in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, English or translation studies (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent).
• Be computer literate in standard word processing and spreadsheets software applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel or similar; Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and 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. Special Notice A completed online application (Cover Note and Personal History Profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

The Cover Note must include:

• Degree Programme (What are you currently studying?)
• Graduation Date (When will you graduate or when did you graduate from the programme?) – List the IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in.
• List your top three areas of interest.
• Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship.
• Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme.

Applicants who are children or siblings of a staff member shall not be eligible to apply for an internship at the United Nations. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines.

Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted.

Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Competencies Communication:

Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately.

Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.

Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Client orientation:

• Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects.
• Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. 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.
• Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PH.D. Programme. Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage. Applicants must have good knowledge of standard software applications, especially MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams.

Languages

• English or French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship advertised, fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Source: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/235000?language=en