The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting applications for a Digital Media Intern to support communications activities at the Rome Centre for Climate Action and Energy Transition in Italy. The six-month internship offers an opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain practical experience in digital communications, social media, content production and climate-focused development work within the UN system.
Based in Rome, Italy, the intern will work under the guidance of the Communications Lead and report to a Communication Analyst. The role is particularly suited to candidates with an interest in climate action, energy transition, sustainable development and digital storytelling.
UNDP Digital Media Internship Overview
Organisation: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Position: Digital Media Intern
Location: Rome, Italy
Centre: Rome Centre for Climate Action and Energy Transition
Contract: Internship
Duration: 6 months
Work schedule: Full time
Education: Bachelor’s degree level or postgraduate study
Deadline: 17 September 2026 at 05:59
Required language: English
Desirable language: Italian or another UN language
Stipend: Available under UNDP internship rules; amount depends on applicable conditions
About the Rome Centre for Climate Action and Energy Transition
The Rome Centre supports the strategic partnership between UNDP and the Government of Italy on sustainable development, climate action and energy transition.
Its work focuses on areas including youth engagement in climate action, energy for development and climate finance. The Centre also contributes to initiatives involving the G7 and G20, the Mattei Plan for Africa, climate adaptation, sustainable energy, digital development and development finance.
The intern will therefore have the opportunity to contribute to communications surrounding programmes designed to mobilise resources, strengthen climate action and support sustainable development in developing and crisis-affected countries.
Key Responsibilities
The Digital Media Intern will support a broad range of communications and digital media activities.
Responsibilities will include drafting and editing web stories, social media posts, newsletters, event communications and key messages. The intern will also help develop visual content and maintain an organised media library containing photographs, videos and graphics.
In digital communications, the intern will assist with managing the Centre’s social media channels, including LinkedIn, Instagram and X. This includes scheduling and drafting content, adapting stories to the native formats of different platforms, monitoring engagement and analysing which types of content perform effectively.
The intern will also support event communications, including preparing visual materials, hashtags, photography and video briefs, as well as providing live coverage and transforming event material into post-event social media and web content.
Additional duties include formatting and publishing content on undp.org, updating basic campaign and event pages, uploading media, writing captions and alt text, conducting desk research and contributing creative ideas for digital campaigns and storytelling.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following conditions at the time of application:
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate programme, such as a Master’s degree or higher, in Communications, Media Studies, Graphic Design, Marketing or a related discipline.
- Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree at Bachelor’s level or equivalent in a relevant field.
- Have recently graduated with a relevant university degree and, if selected, begin the internship within one year of graduation.
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme where the internship forms part of the programme.
There are no nationality restrictions indicated for the vacancy, and UNDP encourages applications from people from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds.
Skills and Experience
Candidates should have a strong understanding of digital media and current content practices across major platforms, particularly LinkedIn, Instagram, X and short-form video.
Applicants should be comfortable adapting the same story for different platforms rather than simply reproducing identical content. Familiarity with social media management tools, content management systems, scheduling platforms and basic analytics dashboards is also important.
Experience with Canva, CapCut, Adobe Creative Suite or comparable design tools is an advantage. An interest in climate action, energy transition and sustainable development is also desirable, while knowledge of the UN system would be an asset.
A portfolio of relevant work is mandatory. Applications will only be considered if they include a portfolio.
Excellent written and spoken English is required. Working knowledge of Italian or another UN language is an advantage.
Internship Stipend and Expenses
UNDP may provide interns with a monthly stipend intended to help cover basic daily expenses such as meals and transportation at the duty station, subject to applicable UNDP rules.
Where an intern receives financial support from a university, government, foundation or another programme, UNDP may pay the difference between that external support and the applicable UNDP stipend, where permitted.
Interns are responsible for costs associated with travel, visas, passports, accommodation, living expenses and medical insurance, unless these are covered by their nominating or sponsoring institution.
Interns accrue leave at a rate of 1.5 days per month.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application through the official UNDP Careers portal for Job Identification 36788 – Digital Media Intern / Rome Centre for Climate and Energy.
Applicants should ensure that their application includes a strong portfolio demonstrating relevant digital media, communications, social media, design, video or content-production work. They should also clearly indicate their availability period.
If selected, candidates may be required to provide proof of university enrolment or graduation, university sponsorship documentation where applicable, a professor’s recommendation, academic transcripts, passport documentation, the completed UNDP internship documentation, a medical certificate and proof of medical insurance.
How to Strengthen the Application
A strong candidate should demonstrate practical digital communications ability rather than relying solely on academic qualifications. The portfolio should contain a carefully selected range of work showing writing, visual storytelling, social media content, video, campaign communications or website content.
Applicants should tailor their materials to the Rome Centre’s work on climate action, energy transition, youth engagement and sustainable development. Demonstrating an understanding of how content changes across LinkedIn, Instagram, X and short-form video platforms can further strengthen the application.
Candidates should also check that their portfolio is accessible, professionally presented and directly relevant to the internship before submission.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 17 September 2026 at 05:59.
Because the vacancy has a short application window, eligible candidates should prepare their portfolio and supporting materials as early as possible.
