The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme has announced applications for a Communications Intern position within its Human Resources Section (HRS). The six-month, full-time internship is home-based, providing students and recent graduates worldwide with an opportunity to gain practical experience in communications, digital engagement, and learning management while supporting UN Volunteer capacity development initiatives.
The internship is administered through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and applications will close on 9 July 2026.
About the UN Volunteers Programme
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme promotes peace and sustainable development by mobilizing qualified volunteers to support United Nations agencies and development partners around the world.
Administered by UNDP, UNV works to strengthen volunteerism as a powerful tool for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Human Resources Section supports this mission by attracting, developing, and retaining talented personnel while delivering learning and professional development opportunities for UN Volunteers globally.
The internship is hosted within the Capacity Development Team, which designs and delivers global learning programmes for serving UN Volunteers.
Internship Overview
The Communications Intern will support the implementation of communication strategies that promote UNV learning initiatives and professional development opportunities.
Working under the supervision of the Learning Analyst and Team Lead, the intern will contribute to creating communication materials, managing digital platforms, supporting outreach campaigns, and strengthening stakeholder engagement across the UNV learning community.
The position is entirely remote, allowing successful candidates to work from their home location while collaborating with an international team.
Key Responsibilities
The selected intern will contribute to several communication and learning initiatives across the Human Resources Section.
Primary responsibilities include:
Communication Strategy Implementation
The intern will:
- Support the implementation of communication strategies promoting UNV learning programmes
- Identify target audiences and appropriate communication channels
- Enhance the visibility and effectiveness of capacity development initiatives
Content Creation and Design
Responsibilities include:
- Developing graphics, presentations, and other communication materials
- Updating learning content across the UNV eCampus platform
- Ensuring communication materials remain accurate, engaging, and relevant
Outreach and Information Sharing
The intern will also:
- Develop newsletters, announcements, flyers, catalogues, and learning kits
- Support outreach campaigns that increase awareness of UNV learning opportunities
- Help disseminate information to volunteers and stakeholders worldwide
Digital Platform Management
The successful candidate will assist with:
- Maintaining up-to-date information on the UNV eCampus learning platform
- Supporting online communication initiatives across multiple digital channels
Analytics and Performance Reporting
Responsibilities include:
- Tracking communication performance using key performance indicators
- Monitoring audience engagement across digital platforms
- Producing reports that evaluate campaign effectiveness and recommend improvements
Social Media Management
The internship also involves:
- Managing communication through official WhatsApp channels
- Developing and scheduling social media content
- Promoting learning opportunities and volunteer success stories
- Monitoring engagement metrics to improve future communications
Skills and Competencies
UNV is seeking candidates with strong communication and organizational skills who are interested in digital communications and international development.
Core competencies include:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational and time management abilities
- Collaborative teamwork skills
- Effective problem-solving capabilities
Desired technical skills include:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Forms, and SharePoint
- Experience using design tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Illustrator, or InDesign
- Knowledge of social media management and digital communication platforms
- Understanding of multimedia content creation and digital storytelling
Desired Experience
Applicants with experience in the following areas are encouraged to apply:
- Communication campaigns and public outreach
- Social media management and content scheduling
- Graphic design and visual communications
- Newsletter, blog, or article writing
- Event, webinar, or workshop coordination
- Audience engagement and digital analytics
- Multimedia content production
Experience supporting international organizations, educational institutions, or development initiatives will be considered an advantage.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following academic requirements at the time of application:
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme
- Be in the final year of a bachelor’s degree
- Have graduated within the previous year and be able to begin the internship within one year of graduation
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme where the internship forms part of the academic curriculum
Preferred fields of study include:
- Communications
- Marketing
- Journalism
- International Relations
- International Development
- Other related disciplines
Language Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate fluency in English, both written and spoken.
Knowledge of one or more additional United Nations official languages is highly desirable, including:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- French
- Russian
- Spanish
Learning Opportunities
The internship offers valuable exposure to international development and organizational communications. Participants will gain experience in:
- Global communication strategy implementation
- Learning management systems
- Capacity development within the United Nations
- Digital communications and stakeholder engagement
- International collaboration in a multicultural environment
- Management of global learning initiatives for UN Volunteers
Internship Conditions
Selected interns will receive a monthly stipend in accordance with UNDP Internship Policy.
Applicants should note that:
- The internship is intended to complement academic studies rather than guarantee future employment
- Interns are responsible for their own travel, insurance, and related expenses unless otherwise covered
- Shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit additional academic and administrative documentation before appointment
Application Deadline
Applications for the Communications Intern position must be submitted through the official UNDP Careers portal by 9 July 2026.
The internship offers an excellent opportunity for aspiring communications professionals to gain international experience while contributing to volunteerism, learning, and sustainable development initiatives across the United Nations system.
