UNESCO 2024 Communication and Information Sector Internship

Diverse Focus Areas within the Communication and Information Sector:

The Communication and Information Sector encompasses a broad spectrum of activities, including, but not limited to:

• Supporting Freedom of Expression, Access to Information, and Ensuring Journalists’ Safety:
  • Advocating for and safeguarding freedom of expression principles.
  • Ensuring access to information and prioritizing the safety of journalists.
• Empowering Societies, Citizens, and Youth through Media and Information Literacy:
  • Implementing initiatives to enhance media and information literacy.
  • Empowering societies, citizens, and youth through educational programs.
• Supporting the Development of Free, Diverse, and Gender-Inclusive Independent Media:
  • Encouraging the growth of independent media outlets that are free, diverse, and inclusive of all genders.
• Promoting Open Access to Information and Supporting Linguistic Diversity:
  • Advocating for open access to information for everyone.
  • Supporting linguistic diversity in media and information dissemination.
• Fostering Innovation and an Inclusive Digital Transformation:
  • Promoting innovation in the digital realm.
  • Facilitating an inclusive digital transformation aligned with sustainable development goals.
• Protecting, Preserving, and Promoting Access to the World’s Documentary Heritage:
  • Safeguarding and promoting the global documentary heritage.
• Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic:
  • Addressing disinformation challenges during the pandemic.
  • Ensuring access to reliable information for everyone in times of crises.

Interns participating in the program will have a unique opportunity to learn and actively contribute to the overall mission of the sector. The nature of their activities will vary based on the specific requirements of assigned tasks, with detailed Terms of Reference and learning objectives specified in the internship contract. The work entrusted to interns falls within distinct categories, aligning with the particular requirements and needs of each team within the sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Programme and Project Support:

• Participate in the preparation and review of project documents.
• Draft notes and prepare technical annexes for projects.
• Prepare conceptual frameworks and concept notes addressing new areas of work or development challenges.
• Collect, organize, and analyze data to inform project decision-making.
• Contribute to the production and preparation of documents, working papers, and conceptual frameworks on specific areas of work or development challenges.
• Assist in the development of technical support for new interventions or projects.

Research and Knowledge Management:

• Undertake specific research and reviews to produce well-defined aspects or segments of work products, including publications, documents, and project proposals.
• Contribute to the preparation of knowledge and communication products, materials for advocacy, and outreach related to the designated area of work.
• Actively participate in meetings and seminars to stay informed and contribute to discussions.

Partnerships:

• Analyze and compile background data for potential partnerships, fundraising events, and opportunities.
• Organize briefings, visits, tours, meetings, and other activities to facilitate collaborative initiatives.
• Establish and maintain networks by liaising with officials in national administrations, researchers, other international organizations, and member country delegations.

Operations Support:

• Provide administrative and logistical support in the planning and organization of meetings, events, workshops, and conferences, collaborating with other staff members.
• Assist in the preparation of specific budgets, financial and accounting documents, and project documentation and evaluation processes.

Learning Objectives for Internship:

• Understanding Communication and Information Projects: Grasp the approach to developing and managing communication and information projects.
• Multilateral Processes: Gain comprehension of multilateral processes within the realm of communication and information.
• Data Analysis in Communication and Information: Learn to carry out data analyses specific to communication and information contexts.
• Policy Brief Design: Acquire skills in designing policy briefs using diverse approaches, including tools like case studies, group discussions, facilitator input, and individual reflection.
• Insight into Project Development and Implementation: Gain insights into the development and implementation of communication and information projects.
• Global Policy Making in Communication and Information:
  • Understand the context of global policy-making in communication and information projects.
  • Explore the role of international organizations in setting standards, facilitating knowledge exchange, providing policy advice, enhancing human and institutional capacities, and fostering cooperation.
• International Project Management: Understand international project management through practical, learning-by-doing approaches.
• Domain Knowledge Development: Develop domain knowledge in the field of communication and information projects.
• Research, Writing, and Communication Skills: Acquire and strengthen skills in research, writing, and communication.
• Soft Skill Development: Develop soft skills, including stakeholder management, problem-solving, interpersonal skills, and work ethic.
• Understanding UNESCO’s Overall Work: Gain an understanding of the overall work of UNESCO.
• Soft Skills in the UNESCO Competency Framework: Develop soft skills aligned with the UNESCO Competency Framework, particularly focusing on teamwork, flexibility, communication, and client-focus.

Competencies – Core / Managerial:

1. Accountability (C):
   • Demonstrates responsibility and ownership for assigned tasks.
   • Upholds accountability in decision-making and outcomes.
2. Communication (C):
   • Effectively communicates, both verbally and in writing.
   • Conveys complex information in a clear and understandable manner.
3. Innovation (C):
   • Encourages and embraces innovative approaches to problem-solving.
   • Demonstrates a proactive attitude towards continuous improvement.
4. Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement (C):
   • Fosters an environment conducive to sharing knowledge and experiences.
   • Actively contributes to continuous improvement initiatives.
5. Planning and Organizing (C):
   • Efficiently plans and organizes tasks and projects.
   • Prioritizes and manages time effectively to meet objectives.
6. Results Focus (C):
   • Commits to achieving measurable results.
   • Focuses on delivering outcomes aligned with organizational goals.
7. Teamwork (C):
   • Collaborates effectively with team members and across departments.
   • Contributes positively to a cooperative and inclusive team environment.
8. Professionalism (C):
   • Upholds high standards of professionalism in all interactions.
   • Adheres to ethical principles and organizational values.

For detailed information, please consult the  UNESCO Competency Framework.

Desirable Qualifications:

Age: Applicants must be at least 20 years old to be eligible to apply.

Academic Qualifications: At the time of applying for the internship program, candidates should meet one of the following criteria:

• • Currently enrolled in a graduate program (Master’s degree, PhD, or equivalent, second university degree or higher).
  • Recently graduated with a Master’s degree or PhD (or second degree as defined above), within 12 months prior to the internship start date.
  • Note: Candidates who have completed their full-time Bachelor’s degree but are not enrolled in a graduate program are not eligible to apply.

Applicants in Secretarial/Assistant or Technical/Professional Assignments:

• Those applying for secretarial/assistant or technical/professional assignments must be enrolled in a secretarial school or specialized technical/professional institution.
• Must have reached the last year of their studies or have graduated within the last 12 months from their school or institution.

Languages:

• Should possess excellent command, both written and spoken, of English or French.
• A working knowledge of the other language (English or French) is considered an asset and may be required for internships in secretarial and assistantship assignments at the Headquarters.

Computer Skills: Must have an excellent knowledge of computer systems and office-related software.

Team Player: Ability to work effectively in a team and adapt to an international working environment.

Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential for successful applicants.