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General Information
  •  Country of Assignment:             Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Agency Name/ Host Institute:   United Nations Population Fund
  • Duty Station, Country:                Sarajevo
  •  Duration (in months):                6 months, with 3 months long probation
  • Expected Starting Date:              As soon as possible
 
Assignment Title: Communications Intern
Organizational Context:
CO Bosnia and Herzegovina has been established in 1995. At present it employs one international staff (UNFPA Representative) and 14 national staff. The basis for CO work is the current 2015-2020 Country Programme Document (CPD) consisted of four project components (Sexual and reproductive health, Youth, Gender-based violence and Population and development). Work plans for each year are developed on annual basis (usually in January each year) while non-core funds are fundraised based on calls for applications by external donors. Major non-core funded project is the joint Conflict-Related Sexual Violence programme implemented together with UNDP, IOM and UN Women that started in 2014 and is currently approved by end of March 2020. Another joint non-core funding initiative is related to emergency preparedness (initiative by UNFPA, UNDP, UNICEF, FAO and UNESCO funded by Swiss Development Agency as of 2019).
CO Bosnia and Herzegovina is highly active in the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) and in the implementation of the UNDAF through participating in three out of four results groups (Rule of Law, Social Inclusion and Empowerment of Women), as well as leading the Results Group on Monitoring and Evaluation. Also, CO is co-chairing a new Youth Task Force as part of the UNCT that should provide strategic guidance and leadership in regard to youth development. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are also a primary focus of the UNCT with majority initiatives going towards the localisation of SDGs in the country and selection of SDG indicators to showcase the country progress. Primary task of UNFPA in regard to SDGs is to provide technical support to statistical offices in the country in relation to monitoring and evaluation of SDGs-related indicators. 
Communications are very important for UNFPA CO advocacy efforts towards implementation of the International Conference on Population and Development commitments. Communications are based on the CO Communications and Advocacy Plan.
 
Task description
Under the direct supervision of Communications Assistant, the Communications Intern will undertake the following tasks:
Other relevant duties as assigned.
  • Tasks and responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):  Support all aspects of communication including research and vetting, production and management, presentation and promotion, and monitoring and evaluation.
  • Support the implementation of deliverables of corporate communications strategies, including the organization and management of initiatives and events and the production and revision of digital and traditional products.
  • Conduct research and brainstorm opportunities related to internal communications
  • Write, edit, and upload text and multimedia content, including feature articles and interviews, to online communication platforms 
  • Support the UNFPA Communications Assistant with social media strategies and plans for upcoming events and other social media contents.
  • Help organize events related to corporate communications strategies and programmes.
  • Collect press articles in national, regional, international press that pertain to SRH, CRSV, PD -related issues and to work of UNFPA;
  • Assist with media monitoring and preparation of media monitoring reports/summaries;
  • Classify and maintain adequate stock of Communications materials, incl. photographs;
  • Contribute to the production of infographics and visual products, such as snapshots, maps and dashboards.
  • Undertake lessons learned review of successful and unsuccessful communication experiences and share observations/findings with Communications Assistant and Senior Management so that best practices benefit the Fund’s communication work.
 
Results/Expected Outputs
  • Effective implementation of CO communication and advocacy plan
  • Regularly updated CO web site and social media 
  • Various promotional materials designed aimed at raising awareness on ICPD issues
 
Qualifications / Requirements
  • University Degree or MA student in Social Communication (Journalism, Advertising or Public Relations), Political Science or International Relations;
  • Strong communications skills: excellent listening skills and empathy, ability to write clearly and concisely
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office software and other related software.
  • Demonstrable experience in media communications including social media.
  • Prior experience in the social development sector including non-government organizations, government development agencies and UN agencies, either via assignments or other internships, is an asset. 
  • Ability to adapt to new environments and to establish and maintain good working relations with individuals of different cultural backgrounds.
  • Integrity: exercising the appropriate discretion when working with confidential and sensitive matters and information
 
 Language Skills: Fluency in BCS and English (oral and written).                                                                                  
Competencies and Values:
  • Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented.
  • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations.
  • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
  • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.
  • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working
relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender;
 
Learning Elements:
Upon completion of the assignment, and depending on its duration, the Intern should:
  • Have an increased understanding of the UN system
  • Understand UNFPA’s general mandate and policies
  • Have learned UNFPA technical language and working procedures
  • Have developed skills in writing, editing, and producing multimedia coverage on issues and events for online channels
  • Have networked with partners, country and regional offices
  • Be able to work as a team member in a multicultural environment
Financial Aspects
Interns do not receive a salary or any other form of remuneration from UNFPA. The costs associated with an intern's participation in the programme must be assumed either by the nominating institution, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students, or by the students themselves, who will have to meet living expenses as well as make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and other requirements. In addition, applicants must have medical insurance for the duration of the internship. Proof of insurance will need to be submitted before the internship begins.
Candidates should deliver P11 or CV and Motivation letter to bosnia-herzegovina.office@unfpa.org with subject Internship application.