Education: Enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher) OR be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as a bachelor’s degree or equivalent); OR recently graduated with a first university degree (bachelor's or equivalent), in Communication, Journalism, International Relations or related Social Science discipline is required and, if selected, must start the internship within one year of graduation.

Background

At UNDP, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are more than just values—they are foundational principles that shape everything we do. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of background, is empowered to contribute fully to our mission. We particularly encourage applications from individuals who identify with marginalized or underrepresented communities.

UNDP maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment—including sexual harassment—and any form of discrimination. All selected candidates undergo rigorous background and reference checks to ensure a safe and respectful workplace for all.

Organizational Context

The Regional Programme for Africa is a flagship initiative of UNDP that addresses the continent's most pressing challenges and emerging opportunities. It is aligned with the priorities of the African Union and regional economic communities (RECs), while supporting the UNDP Strategic Plan’s key goals. Through focused programming and long-term partnerships, the initiative aims to promote transformational development, build resilience, and strengthen regional governance.

Programme Outcome Areas

The programme supports three core outcomes:

1. Empowering the African Union and RECs to effectively deliver on their mandates, particularly around resilience-building and cross-cutting development issues.
2. Driving inclusive and sustainable regional economic growth, with a focus on reducing structural inequalities.
3. Enhancing the capacity of regional institutions to maintain peace, build resilience, and respond effectively to crises and shocks.

Signature Solutions Aligned with UNDP’s Strategic Plan

• Strengthening effective, accountable, and inclusive governance.
• Enhancing prevention and recovery for resilient societies.
• Closing the clean energy gap.
• Promoting gender equality across all sectors.

Guiding Principles for Regional Engagement

UNDP’s approach in Africa is grounded in five key principles:

• Supporting regional integration through shared public goods and services.
• Tackling cross-border challenges through collaborative solutions.
• Promoting awareness and dialogue around emerging and sensitive topics.
• Encouraging innovation and experimentation to drive impact.
• Sharing development knowledge through south-south cooperation and learning.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Regional Communications and External Engagement Specialist, the Communications Intern will support the team in executing a range of internal and external communication tasks, including:

• Drafting and editing content for digital platforms, newsletters, and official publications.
• Designing engaging social media visuals, video snippets, and multimedia content.
• Scheduling posts and maintaining a social media calendar across platforms.
• Editing photos and videos for campaigns and digital storytelling.
• Supporting branding efforts, ensuring visual consistency in all materials.
• Assisting in the creation of toolkits, factsheets, and promotional assets.
• Contributing creative ideas for storytelling and content marketing.
• Updating and maintaining the UNDP Africa website.
• Tracking engagement and preparing analytics reports on social media performance.
• Conducting research on communications trends and best practices.
• Maintaining and updating media contact lists and outreach databases.
• Supporting media monitoring and compiling coverage reports.
• Assisting in organizing press briefings, interviews, and media events.
• Supporting planning and promotion of regional events and campaigns.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Strong integrity and commitment to UN values and ethical standards.
• Openness to feedback and adaptability to change.
• Team collaboration with cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Positive, proactive attitude with a results-oriented mindset.

Technical Competencies

• Graphic Design: Proficiency in layout, design, and visual storytelling.
• Multimedia: Ability to create compelling audio-visual content.
• Marketing: Understanding of communication strategies to highlight program value.
• Social Media: Experience with content creation and audience engagement.
• Communications for Development: Ability to effectively convey results and impact.
• Research: Analytical skills to support evidence-based communication.
• Branding: Ability to ensure consistency with UNDP brand guidelines.
• Relationship Management: Capacity to build partnerships and coordinate with multiple stakeholders.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education:
Applicants must meet one of the following academic requirements:

• Currently enrolled in a postgraduate degree program (e.g., Master’s or equivalent),
• OR in the final year of a first university degree program (e.g., Bachelor’s),
• OR recently graduated with a university degree (within the past 12 months) in Communications, Journalism, International Relations, or related fields in the Social Sciences.

Experience:

• No prior professional experience required.
• Experience in communications, public relations, or digital media is an advantage.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud is essential.
• Experience with data visualization tools is a plus.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills are highly desirable.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Language:

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
• Knowledge of other UN languages (especially French or Arabic) is an asset.

Availability:

• Willingness and availability to commit full-time for six (6) consecutive months.

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit the following documents:

• Updated CV
• Cover Letter (both in English)

Apply online through the following link:
👉 UNDP Communications Intern Application Portal

Note: Educational credentials will only be required at a later stage if selected.

Equal Opportunity Statement

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply.