Un Intern Public Information

UN Intern - Public Information at United Nations Secretariat / UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction — Research Report

Introduction

The UN Intern - Public Information trainee program at United Nations Secretariat / UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction offers a rare entry point into global communications and international public information work. Launching for the upcoming season in New York or Geneva, this internship immerses you in high-stakes storytelling that shapes worldwide perceptions of humanitarian efforts and disaster prevention. It's not just a resume booster—it's a launchpad for careers in diplomacy, media, and nonprofit sectors, where you'll gain insider access to UN operations and build a network that opens doors globally.

Overview of United Nations Secretariat / UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction

United Nations Secretariat / UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction serves as the administrative backbone of the UN system, coordinating global efforts in communications, humanitarian aid, and risk reduction strategies. In the international affairs and global communications industry, it stands out by managing everything from podcast production to high-profile outreach campaigns, outpacing competitors like NGOs such as Amnesty International or Red Cross in scope and diplomatic reach.

The Secretariat handles daily UN operations, while the UNDRR focuses on disaster risk reduction through platforms like the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction. Their key services include multimedia content creation, social media advocacy, and event planning that amplify UN messages on climate resilience and human rights. With a presence in over 190 countries, United Nations Secretariat / UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction boasts steady growth, evidenced by expanded digital initiatives post-COVID.

Culture here emphasizes multilingual collaboration and mission-driven work, with a diverse environment blending diplomats, journalists, and tech specialists. New York and Geneva offices buzz with hybrid setups, fostering a reputation for prestige and impact. People flock to United Nations Secretariat / UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction trainee programs because they offer unparalleled exposure to real-world global challenges, turning interns into polished communicators ready for international roles.

UN Intern - Public Information Role

Role Overview

As a UN Intern - Public Information trainee, you'll support the Department of Global Communications, diving into podcast production, social media monitoring, and event coordination. Your work directly fuels UN initiatives like the 'Awake at Night' podcast or Messenger of Peace programs, influencing millions by crafting narratives on human rights and disaster prevention. It's hands-on public information work that teaches you to communicate complex global issues with clarity and creativity.

Detailed Responsibilities

• Support podcast production by planning, recording, editing, and publishing episodes for series like 'Awake at Night'.
• Draft, edit, and post website content, social media updates, and multimedia assets including graphics and videos.
• Monitor social media metrics for influencers and Messengers of Peace, compiling reports on advocacy engagement.
• Assist in planning outreach events, researching speakers, and preparing promotional materials.
• Conduct research on themes like genocide prevention, human rights, or disaster risk in international affairs.
• Provide general office support, such as note-taking for partner meetings with entertainment or sports industries.
• Process applications for programs like Football for the Goals and help execute related convenings.

Day-to-Day Workflow

Your typical day starts with checking emails and social media dashboards for overnight engagement spikes, then moves into content creation—perhaps scripting a podcast segment or editing a short video clip. Afternoons involve team huddles to brainstorm event logistics or review metrics, followed by drafting talking points for UN spokespeople. By end-of-day, you're archiving materials or prepping reports, blending creative public information tasks with analytical global communications work in a structured yet flexible rhythm.

Tools and Technologies

Expect to use Adobe Creative Suite for graphics and video editing, Audacity or Adobe Audition for podcast audio, and analytics tools like Google Analytics or Hootsuite for social media tracking. Web platforms involve CMS like Drupal for UN sites, with HTML/CSS basics for content formatting. In the international affairs space, familiarity with multilingual tools and Canva for quick assets gives you an edge in this UN Intern - Public Information trainee role.

Skills and Requirements

Technical Skills

Proficiency in multimedia editing via Adobe Premiere or Photoshop is key, alongside basic web skills in HTML5 and CMS navigation. Knowledge of data analytics for social metrics and podcast production software sets strong candidates apart in global communications. Bonus: Experience with UN-related languages like French or Spanish enhances your fit for United Nations Secretariat / UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction internships.

Soft Skills

Strong writing and storytelling abilities shine here, paired with cultural sensitivity for diverse audiences. Teamwork thrives in collaborative settings, while adaptability handles shifting priorities like urgent event prep. Initiative matters—proactive researchers who spot trends in international public information excel as trainees.

Experience Expectations

Current enrollment in or recent completion of a graduate program in communications, journalism, or international relations is standard, with a portfolio of published clips or multimedia projects preferred over high GPA. United Nations Secretariat / UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction values demonstrated passion through personal blogs or volunteer work in public information over formal experience. No prior UN stint needed, but relevant extracurriculars like student media signal readiness for this trainee program.

Salary and Benefits

United Nations Secretariat / UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction Hiring Process

Step-by-Step Hiring Stages

1. Application: Submit via careers.un.org