UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, Results 

UNICEF works to protect the rights of every child in Sri Lanka. Our goal is to ensure that all of our children survive, thrive and fulfill their vast potential.

In a world that is rapidly changing, children are faced with complex challenges and unprecedented opportunities. UNICEF’s programs are designed to reach and benefit all children so that they can withstand these challenges, leverage these opportunities and be the drivers of their own destiny.

UNICEF is committed to creating a country in which every child is free to learn, play and grow. Our programs work towards providing all children in Sri Lanka with shelter, nutrition, protection and education, wherever they may be. We strive to create communities in which children can live with dignity and hope, free from discrimination, violence and fear.

We make every effort to create and maintain environments that will enable and empower children to be the very best that they can be.

In this way, all children will not only benefit from economic and social growth but will become the driving force behind sustainable national development.

For over 50 years, with the help of our vast network of partners, UNICEF has made significant strides in raising health, education and protection standards for children in Sri Lanka. From achieving Universal Child Immunization (1989) to establishing The National Child Protection Authority (1998) to providing decades of crucial relief in the wake of devastating conflict and natural disaster, UNICEF has played a pivotal role in creating an environment in which children have the best chance to survive and thrive.

Yet, many challenges still exist, especially for the most vulnerable. Some national and regional bodies require resources and reinvigoration. Individuals and institutions need to be strengthened, coordinated and aligned with global standards so that children enjoy support in their schools, communities and homes to help them overcome challenges and unleash their full potential into the world.

Due to our long-standing reputation as an experienced, neutral and collaborative partner, UNICEF is ideally suited to drive these efforts. Our history of success in Sri Lanka is built on our ability to tap into a wide network of national and international partners which, in turn, is bolstered by our own far-reaching presence in the field. In working closely with these government, non-government and private entities, UNICEF takes a leadership role, drawing on our technical expertise to accurately assess existing challenges and develop, execute and coordinate solutions that are relevant and scalable on the ground.  For more information about UNICEF Sri Lanka and its work visit: http://www.unicef.org/srilanka

How can you make a difference?

Purpose/Background Context and Rationale: 

In the past few years, UNICEF Sri Lanka has achieved an unprecedented reach and engagement rate through its social media platforms with more than 450,000 followers. Many of our audiences not only seek information but are willing to have important conversations on crucial issues concerning children’s wellbeing and rights. Our overall social media content aims to build Awareness/Interest, Empower Children and People to “Drive Change” to take an action. This position will support UNICEF’s strategic focus to ensure greater understanding, participation, and meaningful engagement with our online audiences through the development of high-quality content, research, community moderation and knowledge management.

Key tasks and responsibilities

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Digital Communication Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the Intern – Social Media Community Management and Content writer will:

Content Writing/Production:

• Conceptualize, ideate, and create compelling engaging content for social media (copy, visuals, photo essays).
• Pitch new approaches and angles for creative content/styles.
• Develop high-quality creative writing work with factual evidence, provide quality control over concepts and projects, contribute creative solutions and innovations that strengthen the UNICEF brand.
• Assist the communication section with additional tasks as required.
• Work with programme sections, field officers and partners to gather and produce relevant content in order to ensure targeted communications have a greater impact for children.

Community Engagement:

Support the communication section to:

• Coordinate, monitor, and manage direct communications on UNICEF Sri Lanka’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn channels.
• Develop FAQ (frequently asked questions) and respond to queries accordingly on a timely manner.
• Help employ community management best practices to encourage online audiences to participate in social media discussions, increase their understanding of our work for children and guide their journey to other UNICEF-owned channels.
• Support the growth of UNICEF Sri Lanka Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels through supporter building and monitoring performance.
• Monitor current events, public opinion, and press, identify issues and trends, and advise on appropriate digital media response.

Research, Reporting and Knowledge Management:

• Monitor the internal and external social media landscape and trends to gain new insights.
• Monitor and share best performing content and platforms and conduct comparator analysis to draw meaningful insights to understand the Sri Lankan context of digital media.
• Support the communications section to monitor the digital information/data metrics landscape in other key programmatic (i.e., CRM, Mail Lists etc) areas.
• Manage the internal information SharePoint, WeShare resource sites.
• Support the communications sections to update information and key messages.
• Research youth social media trends (with a focus on Instagram and TikTok) and develop and manage new channels with recommendations on related UNICEF content and brand presence.

Key Deliverables: 

• As an active UNICEF team member, efficient, timely, responsive, and high-quality support rendered to UNICEF Sri Lanka is expected in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:

• High-quality, engaging social media content copy is regularly developed and submitted to the supervisor/section.
• An online community actively engaged in favor of children’s rights is created through daily community management and online interactions.
• Research, recommendations, and suggestions to increase engagement with target audiences are regularly developed and used to strengthen engagement in all social media channels.
• Best practices are documented and provided to support effective & impactful communications.

• Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated, and documented in all activities throughout the assignment

Working Arrangement: 

• The Intern for UNICEF Sri Lanka will be working on Hybrid modality (In Office/Remote) and are expected to interact with the supervisor and other relevant colleagues on a regular basis to fulfil tasks.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Qualifications: 

• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
• Currently following a Bachelors’ or Masters’ program or 2 years within completion of the degree or enrolled in a master’s program in Business Management/Communication/Marketing/Journalism or any other related disciplines.
• Have excellent academic performance as demonstrated by recent university or institution records.
• Additional consideration will be given for any work experience related to blogging/content writing/web articles.

 

Required Skills: 

• Ability to write clearly, succinctly and for varying audiences.
• Any experience in digital communication and social media communications will be an added advantage.
• Managing/moderating social media channels or online communities.
• Creating a range of different content for social media.
• An eye for clean, simple, and compelling visual design.
• Using social media metrics to assess digital performance (i.e. Analytics).
• Accuracy and professionalism in the production and editing of documents, posts, and reports.
• Experience in monitoring and responding to queries on social media is an asset.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Knowledge of and interest on social media trends and the overall digital landscapes is an asset.
• Creative, enthusiastic, solutions orientated.
• Excellent oral and written English language skills.
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging and multicultural environment.
• Ability to respond to short deadlines and demonstrate a quick turn-around and execution of creative work.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

Language:

Excellent written and spoken English.

Written and spoken Sinhala and Tamil will be an added advantage.

Other skills:

• Excellent inter-personal communication skills.
• Proven ability to deliver under tight deadlines with flexible attitude.
• Organizational and coordination skills.
• Ability to work independently.

How to apply:

• Please submit your online application on or before the deadline
• Your online application should contain the following:
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • References
  • Links to Work Samples produced within the last 3 years.

Cost/Expenses:

Interns receive a stipend from UNICEF and must make their own arrangements for living expenses.

Living accommodation and other expenses are their own responsibilities.

The assignment consists of fulltime work, 5 days a week

Stipend (monthly): LKR 109,368/- per month

Travel: N/A

Insurance:

• UNICEF accepts no responsibility for costs or fatality arising from illness or accidents incurred during the internship; therefore, the intern must have adequate medical insurance.

• Applicants for internship must show proof of valid medical and life/accident insurance for the duty station for which they will work.

 

Duration: 26 weeks

Start date: March 2025

Intern Status within UNICEF:

• Interns are considered gratis personnel and as such they are not staff members.

• Although not considered a staff member of UNICEF, the intern shall be subject to the authority of the Executive Director and the authority delegated by her to Director and Heads of Offices. Interns are not entitled to the privileges and immunities accorded by member states to UNICEF’s officials and staff members.

• Interns may not be sought or accepted as substitutes for staff to be recruited against authorized posts.

• Interns may not represent UNICEF in any official capacity.

Other Relevant Information

• The candidate selected will be governed by and subject to UNICEF’s General Terms and Conditions for interns.

• As an intern, you will respect the confidentiality of information that you collect or are exposed to at UNICEF. No reports or papers may be published based on information obtained from UNICEF without the explicit written authorization by the Head of Office or Division Director.

• The UNICEF internship program is not connected with employment and there is no expectancy of such. Interns cannot apply for posts advertised internally to UNICEF staff during the internship period.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…
(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3)Drive to achieve results for impact (4)Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6)Thinks and acts strategically (7)Works collaboratively with others.

[add the 8th competency (Nurtures, leads and manages people) for supervisory role]

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks: 

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates are encouraged to apply.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

If you think this position might be for you, please take the time to review our Country Office Mutual Agreements before you apply.

If you believe you can team member that can uphold these everyday, then we look forward to receiving and reviewing your application.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements