The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is inviting applications for a Social Media Intern based in New York. This internship offers an opportunity for students and recent graduates interested in social media, communications, humanitarian affairs and international development to gain practical experience within the United Nations system.
About the Opportunity
The position is located within the Office of the Director of the Financing and Outreach Division (FOD) at OCHA’s headquarters in New York.
OCHA brings together humanitarian actors to support coordinated and principled responses to emergencies. Its work focuses on mobilising and coordinating humanitarian action, advocating for people affected by crises, supporting preparedness and prevention, and facilitating sustainable solutions.
FOD manages relationships with key partners, supports humanitarian financing, oversees pooled funds, and leads internal and external communication and advocacy initiatives. The division also contributes to innovation in humanitarian finance and supports OCHA’s engagement with donors, Member States and advisory bodies.
The Social Media Intern will contribute to communications activities supporting the Office of the Director and will gain exposure to strategic communications within a major international humanitarian organisation.
Key Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of the Director of FOD and day-to-day supervision of the Programme Management Officer, the intern will support several areas of communications and digital engagement.
Social media and campaigns responsibilities will include:
• Supporting the planning, development and implementation of social media campaigns for the Director’s X and LinkedIn accounts.
• Conducting research and supporting the development of StoryHub impact stories.
• Assisting with campaigns linked to flagship events and missions.
• Drafting engaging content for social media audiences.
Design and multimedia responsibilities will include:
• Creating clear and engaging graphic communications for social media and other digital platforms.
• Developing branded promotional materials, digital graphics, posters, flyers and other marketing materials as required.
• Supporting image selection for public dissemination.
• Providing appropriate metadata for captioning and archiving.
• Coordinating the clearance, production and distribution of social media materials.
• Conducting relevant photo, visual and graphic research.
Social Media Monitoring
The intern will also contribute to monitoring and evaluating digital communications activities. Responsibilities will include researching and recording the Director’s media impact and recognition, maintaining monitoring lists, and researching social media analytics, trends and emerging tools.
The intern will support the advancement of the Social Media Strategy by researching evolving platforms, audience and community growth opportunities, and emerging approaches to digital engagement.
Other duties may be assigned according to the needs of the office.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
• Be enrolled in or have completed a graduate programme, such as a second university degree or equivalent or higher.
• Be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree programme, equivalent to at least a bachelor’s degree.
Professional work experience is not required for applicants to the UN Internship Programme. However, candidates must have an academic field of study closely related to the internship.
Previous experience in social media, whether in the public or private sector, is desirable. Candidates should also demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills in English, particularly the ability to draft social media content, articles and video-related materials.
Language Requirements
Fluency in English, including understanding, reading, speaking and writing, is required. Knowledge of another official UN language, including French, is an advantage.
Important Internship Information
This is an unpaid United Nations internship. The UN does not provide financial remuneration, meaning interns or their sponsoring institutions are responsible for travel, visa, accommodation and living expenses.
Candidates who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work or employment authorisation.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official UN Careers recruitment system before 17 September 2026.
The United Nations does not charge any fee at any stage of its recruitment process, including applications, interviews, processing or training.
This opportunity is particularly relevant to candidates seeking hands-on experience in social media, digital communications, humanitarian affairs, public administration and international development while working within the United Nations system.
Application Deadline: 17 September 2026
Location: New York / Flexible working modalities
Duration: 6 months
Remuneration: Unpaid
