Internship Opportunity: Communication At UNDP
Internship Opportunity: Communication At UNDP
Apply now for the UNDP Communication Internship (BERA) in Geneva, Switzerland – a six-month full-time internship with the Bureau for External Relations and Advocacy. This opportunity offers hands-on experience in media relations, digital communication, and parliamentary engagement, with a strong focus on Swiss-German outreach. Proficiency in English and German is required, and knowledge of French is considered an asset. Application deadline: 6 October 2025.
Internship Opportunity: Communication At UNDP
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Background & Job Description
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) operates in over 170 countries, working to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, and support sustainable development. Within UNDP, the Bureau for External Relations and Advocacy (BERA) plays a pivotal role in building partnerships with governments, private sector actors, civil society, and UN sister agencies to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The UNDP Geneva Representation Office (GRO) is part of this mission, engaging with Swiss and European partners, Permanent Missions, the finance community, and key international organizations. The office also provides intelligence on political, social, and economic trends to inform UNDP’s strategic positioning in areas such as inequality, climate, crisis response, and financing for development.
The Communication Internship (BERA) is designed to give aspiring communication professionals a hands-on learning experience in international development advocacy. Interns will support media relations, social media content creation, audiovisual materials, parliamentary engagement, and donor communication initiatives, contributing directly to UNDP’s visibility and partnerships in Switzerland and beyond.
Tasks
Under the supervision of the Communication Manager and overall guidance of the GRO Director, the Communication Intern will:
Media Coverage (20%)
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Develop and update a French and Swiss media database, with a special focus on Swiss-German outlets.
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Research new Swiss and French media contacts for targeted outreach.
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Track and analyze media coverage of development topics and UNDP mentions.
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Prepare weekly media digests on Swiss/French development coverage.
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Attend bi-weekly press briefings, support background research, and prepare notes for UNDP representatives.
Digital Communication (40%)
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Research, draft, and amplify content for the UNDP Geneva X (Twitter) account.
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Create engaging graphics and audiovisual materials for social media campaigns.
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Republish and adapt web stories showcasing UNDP’s impact with donor support.
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Update and maintain the UNDP Geneva website with relevant news and resources.
Parliamentary Engagement in Switzerland (40%)
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Research key Swiss parliamentary stakeholders and develop stakeholder profiles.
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Identify engagement opportunities and draft concept notes for briefings, events, and meetings.
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Support activations in Bern during parliamentary sessions, including briefings, exhibitions, and conferences.
Additional Duties
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Support other communication and advocacy tasks as assigned by UNDP Geneva management.
Qualifications
Education & Certification
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Enrolled in or a recent graduate of a Bachelor’s degree program in communications, political science, international relations, journalism, or a related field.
Experience
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Demonstrated interest and experience in communication, media relations, and/or digital media.
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Understanding of Swiss political institutions and familiarity with Swiss development cooperation.
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Knowledge of multilateral organizations is an asset.
Skills & Competencies
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Strong strategic communication and writing skills in English and German (required).
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Knowledge of French is an asset.
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Ability to draft clear, persuasive, and audience-focused communication materials.
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Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
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Experience with social media management and basic knowledge of CMS.
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Familiarity with graphic design tools (e.g., Canva), audiovisual editing, or data analytics is a plus.
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Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
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Commitment to UN values of diversity, inclusion, and integrity.
Additional Information
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Contract Duration: 6 months (full-time).
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Location: Geneva, Switzerland (hybrid model – partly in-office, partly remote).
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Application Deadline: 6 October 2025 (05:59 AM).
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Languages Required: English and German; French is an asset.
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Internship Stipend: May be provided if not financially supported by another institution.
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Insurance: Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance.
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Visa & Travel: Interns must arrange their own visas and travel to Geneva.
Application Procedure:
Applicants must submit a single PDF file containing:
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A short statement (one paragraph) explaining motivation and preferred availability.
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CV/Resume (in English).
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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