About United Nations University (UNU)

The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. UNU engages in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations. The work of UNU contributes to solving pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

 

For the past five decades, UNU has been a source of impartial research on sustainability, human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers working at institutes in 12 countries, UNU’s expertise spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu

About United Nations University – International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH).

UNU-International Institute for Global Health is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-IIGH was established in 2005 with the mission to advance evidence-based policy on key issues related to sustainable development and global health. UNU-IIGH aims to build knowledge and capacity for decision-making by UN agencies, UN programmes and Member States towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Leveraging its position within the UN, UNU-IIGH works with a network of academic, policy and civil society experts to serve as a platform for critical thinking and exchange of knowledge and tools for policy influence and consensus-building.

The Communication Team collaborates closely with researchers and the Office of the Director to enhance the institute’s positioning and ensure the visibility of its work and outputs. A key aspect of this role is to strategically communicate the institute’s achievements and insights, ensuring that they reach the appropriate audiences with the most impactful messages. This, in turn, helps to sustain the institute’s reputation as a trusted think tank and authoritative advisor on advancing equity in global health.

Description of Responsibilities

Key responsibilities:

• Managing social media content and strategies across various platforms
• Assisting in multimedia development, including video production and graphic design
• Supporting the design and creation of visual content for reports, presentations, and digital campaigns
• Assisting with writing and editing content for blogs, newsletters, and official communications
• Helping to maintain and update our website, contacts for our Mailchimp campaigns, filing and archiving of knowledge products
• Assisting to organise and manage webinars and virtual events

Who we’re looking for:

• Applicants be enrolled in, or have recently completed within two (2) years, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent) or be enrolled in, or have recently within two (2) years, a graduate (second university degree or equivalent) or postgraduate degree programme (master’s or doctoral level).
• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Proficiency in social media management and digital communications tools.
• Experience in graphic design using Canva is a plus.
• Familiarity with webinar management on Zoom is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

What we offer:

• Hands-on experience in a reputable UN organization.
• Mentorship and professional development opportunities.
• A chance to contribute to meaningful global health initiatives.
• A stipend of RM 1,000 per month to help cover living expenses

Competencies

Values:

• Inclusion – Take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity.
• Integrity – Act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards.
• Humility – Demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others.
• Humanity – Act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet.

Behaviours:

• Connect and Collaborate – Build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
• Analyse and Plan – Seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
• Deliver Results with Positive Impact – Hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
• Learn and Develop – Pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
• Adapt and Innovate – Demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways

Education:

• University studies in one of the following disciplines: Communication, journalism or other relevant subjects is required.
• Be in their final year of undergraduate study

Language:

• Excellent communication skills (written and oral) in English are required;
• Working knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.

Duration of contract:

The duration of the internship is 3 – 6 months, full time and preferably to be physically based at the duty station.

Application Deadline:

09 March 2025

Starting Date:

As soon as possible

How to Apply:
To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:

• Apply via the APPLY LINK below;

• Fill out the internship form Application Form and upload it into the box named “P11 Form”;

• Upload a cover letter outlining your reasons and motivations for applying (as a general rule, please keep your cover letters concisely written – less than 500 words – with proper heading, subject, salutation, date, and punctuation);
• Upload an updated resume, with contact details, academic record, publications, and past work experiences (include the CV in the same PDF file of the Cover Letter).

You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.

Candidates invited for interview must submit prior to the interview the following documents

• Document(s) confirming your education status (e.g. transcript or proof of enrollment);
• Proof of health and life/accident insurance valid for the location in which the internship will be carried out. Selected intern must have health and life insurance.

 

UNU accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship.

 

Stipend

Interns who are not in receipt of financial support for the purpose of this internship from other sources such as universities or other institutions will receive a stipend from UNU to partially subsidize basic daily expenses such as meals, transportation, and internet costs for the duration of the internship.

The monthly amount of the stipend will be determined for each duty station based on the stipend rates in effect. The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.

Additional Information

Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNU in any official capacity.

The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNU but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.

UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply and become part of the organisation.

UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.

 

Scam warning

UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing, or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names, and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.