Background Information - Job-specific
Organizational Context
ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology, is seeking a Communications Intern to join its Advocacy and Communications Unit in implementing the ambitious advocacy and communications strategy for ATscale. This role provides a unique opportunity to be a core part of the team that is building and moving forward a unique multi-stakeholder partnership to address one of the most significant and most underinvested issues of our global development agenda โ the need for assistive technology (AT).
ATscale is a cross-sectoral partnership with the goal of reaching 500 million additional people with assistive technology by 2030 to support them in participating in education, work, and everyday life.
Today, over 2.5 billion people need at least one form of AT, such as wheelchairs, eyeglasses, or hearing aids, but in low-income countries, 90% do not have access to the AT they require. The number of people who need AT is expected to grow to more than 3.4 billion people by 2050.
Access to appropriate AT enables people with loss of function, disabilities, non-communicable diseases, and the ageing population to participate in education, work, family, and community life. Lack of access to AT has significant consequences for individuals, their families, and the wider society. Without AT, individuals may experience isolation and exclusion from education, the labour market, and civic life. Lack of access to appropriate AT causes poorer health outcomes including premature death, deteriorating mental health, and increased risk of chronic health conditions and secondary complications, all of which lead to a higher burden on health systems. Increasing accessibility and affordability of AT unlocks unrealised economic potential and provides socioeconomic benefit for individuals, families, and countries by increasing productivity and participation in the workforce.
The ATscale Secretariat is hosted by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and is based in Geneva, Switzerland. For more information, please visit https://atscalepartnership.org/ Functional Responsibilities
Under the guidance and supervision of the Advocacy and Communications Advisor, the Communications Intern will provide support to ATscale's communications efforts, performing a variety of dedicated functions to ensure high-quality and accurate work.
Social media content creation: Assist the team to produce engaging and informative content for ATscale and Unlock The Everyday social media platforms, including text, images, and videos. Produce periodic reports summarizing the activities and presence of ATscale and Unlock the Everyday across digital platforms.
Website support: Support the Communications Specialist to manage and update the content of the ATscale and Unlock The Everyday websites.
Publication support: Assist in the production of ATscale publications, including graphic design and layout, translation coordination, and creating accessible versions.
Audio visual content support: Organize audio-visual content, including photos and videos, and support the creation of new multimedia materials.
Partner pitch development: Support the development of pitches and communication materials for ATscale partners.
Administrative support: Assist with scheduling meetings, taking meeting minutes, and preparing briefing notes.
General communications support: Provide general assistance to the Communications team on various projects and activities as needed.
Other tasks: Other communication and administrative-related tasks as assigned by the unit.
Training components and learning elements
ATscale/UNOPS highly values interns' contributions and appreciates the importance of learning during an internship. ATscale thus will provide a wealth of opportunities for on-the-job training.
She/he will have the opportunity to join official meetings and learn about ATscale, the UN, the disability sector and multilateral cooperation. She/he will get exposure to key stakeholders, multi-partner donors, international non-governmental organizations, government work and other representatives.
The effective and successful achievement of results will support ATscale's communications efforts, enhance its visibility, and contribute to achieving its mission of increasing access to assistive technology globally. Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education:
Education: Must be enrolled in a university programme such as Bachelorโs, Masterโs, or Ph.D. (or the equivalent) or have graduated from such studies within three (3) years prior to the application date of the internship, preferably in communications, marketing, or a related field. Experience:
Professional work experience is not required for this internship.
The following experience will however be an asset:
Experience in communications, marketing, or social media
Experience with content creation, website management, or graphic design Language:
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Internship
Contract level: Intern
Contract duration: 12 Months
This internship is not designed to lead to a staff position with UNOPS. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of the internship.
Interns may be eligible for a monthly stipend from UNOPS provided that they do not receive funds from other institutions. Further, UNOPS may provide a one time travel lumpsum per policy dependent on defined factors. However, Interns must make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and necessary visa arrangements.
For more details about UNOPS internships please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Internships-and-volunteering.aspx
Additional Information
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
Geneva, Switzerland is a UN Family Duty station
UNOPS makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If an accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please make us aware, we want to ensure you perform at your best.
People self-identifying as living with a disability or AT users are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
โAT userโ refers to someone who currently requires the use of assistive technology - assistive products and/or associated services - to be able to operate in a professional working environment. Assistive devices include but are not limited to wheelchairs, prosthesis, hearing aids, augmentative and alternative communication devices, etc
Terms and Conditions
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.