Communications Intern (ReLOaD3 Project)

Background
  Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories. 
  UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.  

The Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3 (ReLOaD3) continues the EU-UNDP partnership and previously supported initiative – ReLOaD1 and ReLOaD2 implemented in the period 2017 - 2024.

ReLOaD3 continues to strengthen participatory democracies and the EU integration process in the Western Balkans, by empowering civil society and youth to actively participate in decision making and by stimulating an enabling legal and financial environment for civil society. The Programme will be implemented in the following IPA beneficiaries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.  Working across the region, ReLOaD3 will enhance the capacities of local governments and civil society organizations (CSOs) to engage in productive partnerships and contribute to improved service delivery and realization of local priorities in line with local development strategies and needs. The ReLOaD3 total budget is USD 13.39 million, while the budget for the component for Kosovo is USD 1.35 million. The Project duration is 48 months (February 1, 2025 – January 31, 2029).

The Communications Intern will ensure the execution of coherent communication in full cooperation and coordination with UNDP’s Communications Unit and execution of admin support in close coordination with the project team. 

Assignment will be conducted in line with UN 8 Point Agenda and the UNDP Gender responsive mandate.

[1] All references to Kosovo should be understood to be in the context of United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          * For the European Union, this designation is without prejudice to position on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence. For UNDP all references to Kosovo shall be understood in the context of the UN Resolution 1244/1999.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under direct supervision of the UNDP ReLOaD3 Project Manager, the Communications Intern will execute duties and responsibilities outlined below:

•     Implement a Visibility and Communication Plan for Kosovo by using project’s regional knowledge and know-how techniques practiced in line with the visibility guidelines of the Action and the communication strategy of ReLOaD3 and by reviewing, but not limited to: Description of Action ReLOaD3, Communication and Visibility Strategy for ReLOaD3 (with new supporting tools and visibility templates) , UNDP Kosovo visibility guidelines (events, publications, communications SOPs, exploring different types of media products etc.); 
•     Preparation of materials and delivery of specific session on visibility (for representatives of selected municipalities and partner CSOs);
•     Promote the Visibility and Communication Guidelines for CSOs that will implement projects under ReLOaD3 in Kosovo by ensuring regular update of the existing guideline with all necessary elements as per the updated versions of visibility guide of EU and UNDP; 
•     Prepare visibility materials (short stories, press releases and other similar materials) based on the models and formats of ReLOaD3 at the regional level and adjusted with inputs from the implementation project in Kosovo; 
•     Provide support to partner CSOs of ReLOaD3 project on implementation of Visibility and Communication Guidelines by checking and approving proposed visibility materials including advices for improvement to partner CSOs that will implement projects under ReLOaD3; 
•     Assist in development of videos featuring project beneficiaries and highlighting project results being responsible for all aspects of the creation and development of videos. The videos will be mostly utilized through social media platforms;
•     Preparation of social media posts for ReLOaD3 by using UNDP social media platforms (national and regional) to share information and raise awareness on the Action; 
•     Prepare final communication report;
•     Assists in admin and procurement activities and processes;
•     Filing and maintaining the folder on received CSOs/Civic engagement activities along with evaluation matrixes/documents etc.;
•     Provide assistance in updating tables on CSOs/civic engagement info, training and mentoring sessions;
•     Work closely with Communications Team and under their guidance in implementation of tasks listed above.
Other Duties:
•     Perform additional tasks and responsibilities as requested by the ReLOaD2 Project Manager, in line with the scope of work and evolving project needs. Competencies
Functional Competencies:    
•     Very strong communication and interpersonal skills demonstrated the ability to build trust. 
•     Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding the position. 
•     Ability to carry out tasks independently as well in a team environment.  
•     Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments. 
•     Ability to work under tight deadlines; 
•     Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations; 
•     Detail-oriented way of working; 
•     Innovative and creative approach to tasks; 
•     Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback.

Core Competencies:
•     Demonstrating/safeguarding UN’s values, ethics, and integrity.  
•     Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
•     Actively promotes gender equality in all assignment activities.
•     Self-development, initiative-taking.
•     Acting as a team player. Required Skills and Experience 
  Education:

Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

•    Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher); 
•    Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent); 
•    Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation; 
•    Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.

Field of study: Communications, Marketing, International Affairs, Public Policy, Journalism, Economics, Social Sciences, or a related discipline/equivalent.

Experience:
•    Previous experience in in the area of communications is an asset.
•    Experience in social media management and monitoring: Facebook, X platform, YouTube, Instagram, etc. is an asset.
•    Experience in website editing and management tools would be a distinct asset.
•    Experience in organization of events, conferences etc. is an asset.
•    Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems is an asset

Language skills:
•     Fluency in English is required. 
•     Fluency in Albanian or Serbian is required.

Learning:
The intern will have the opportunity to: 
•    Participate in in-house training opportunities as applicable. 
•    Learn the structure, mechanisms, policies and practice areas of UNDP. 
•    Strengthen his/her effective writing.

INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS - Stipends, insurance and interns’ expenses
Status
Interns are not considered as having the status of a staff member. During the internship with UNDP, interns are subject to the Regulations Governing the Status, Basic Rights and Duties of Officials other than Secretariat Officials, and Experts on Mission (ST/SGB/2002/9). Interns must not represent UNDP in any official capacity or commit resources on its behalf.

Duration:
Internship assignments vary in length according to the academic requirements of the intern, as well as the needs of UNDP. The duration of assignments may range from a minimum of six weeks to a maximum of six months. However, an internship may last up to nine months if the intern can demonstrate that it will award them a credit for an academic course. 

The envisaged duration of this Internship is 6 months full-time working status.

Medical Insurance
Interns, whether engaged in-person or remotely, are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP and must provide self-certification of good health prior to starting the internship. UNDP will not reimburse the medical insurance of the intern. Any costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship assignment will be the responsibility of the intern.

Expenses
The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis and will be pro-rated for part-time internship arrangements. 
No other payments of any kind, or advance on the stipend due, will be made to an intern by the receiving office in connection with an internship agreement, except for any reimbursements made to an intern under paragraph 33 of the policy.
Paragraph 33 - Expenses incurred by interns, including undertaking official travel at the request of UNDP, in the discharge of the activities related to the internship are reimbursed by UNDP on the same basis as costs incurred by staff members or costs reimbursed to staff members, including payment of daily subsistence allowance and additional insurance coverage, as applicable.
Subsequent Employment
There is no expectation of employment with UNDP following an internship.

Responsibilities and obligations of the office and the supervisor:
The receiving office and supervisors must create a working environment conducive to interns’ substantive learning and professional development.

The applicants will be required to submit the following documentation:
•     CV and letter of motivation in addition to application;
•     Letter from his/her university confirming current enrolment and graduation date, if applicable or copy of diploma if already graduated.
•     Copy of his/her school transcript.

The successful candidate will be asked to provide, prior to commencing work, the following documentation:
•     A signed UNDP Internship Agreement Form.
•     Medical Certificate of Good Health.
•     Proof of medical insurance for the duration of the contract.  

All forms must be completed/signed by intern prior to start of internship.