Research, reporting and communication intern

Background :
The UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa (RBA) in 2019, established the UNDP Sub-Regional Hub for West and Central Africa (UNDP WACA) in response to the fragile and rapidly evolving political and socio-economic landscape of the West and Central Africa region.

Situated within the UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa (RSCA), UNDP WACA covers 24 countries, ranging from high and middle-income economies to least developed countries and countries in crisis and post-crisis situations.

UNDP WACA possesses strong on-the-ground expertise spread out across 6 key cities – New York, N’Djamena, Ouagadougou, Abuja, Addis Ababa and Dakar – its base. UNDP WACA works closely with other sub-regional hubs and thematic office that include: The Regional Programme for Africa and the Africa Borderlands Centre both based in Addis Ababa, the UNDP Resilience Hub for Africa based in Nairobi and the UNDP Africa Sustainable Finance Hub based in Pretoria.

Since 2019, UNDP has been implementing a two-phase stabilization project in the Lake Chad Basin region for the benefit of the four countries of the region (Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria). The first phase ended in 2021 and the second phase, extension of the first covers the period 2022-2024. This initiative implemented through the Dakar Regional Hub responds to the need for stabilization of the region, which is facing a major security and development challenge due to Boko Haram’s terrorist attacks.

The Liptako Gourma region, which has also been plagued by terrorist attacks for more than a decade, also benefits from a similar project, including a stabilization facility after a pilot phase. The region shared by Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger lives to the rhythm of jihadist attacks. The Liptako Gourma Region Stabilization Facility complements development interventions in fragile areas implemented under the Sahel Alliance.

The overall objective of these projects is to reduce the risk of violence in the target areas in order to enable the implementation of longer-term peacebuilding, recovery and development programmes. These projects aim to stop the spiral of insecurity, forced displacement and conflict and to strengthen social cohesion. They are structured around the following axes:

The promotion of security and justice;
Strengthening Infrastructure for Essential Social Services ;
Creating Livelihood Opportunities ;
Promoting peace and social cohesion ;
Strengthening cross-border cooperation.

Duties and Responsibilities :
Under the supervision of the Regional Stabilization Specialist and
Reporting Analyst :
Design dynamic and engaging digital visuals for websites, social media channels, data visualizations, infographics, dashboards, icons, newsletters, events materials etc.
Support the organization of interviews, talks, webinars, written pieces and other content including outreach and coordination with relevant guests.
Support social media influencer engagement on content creation for relevant platforms including TikTok.
Monitor current events and popular trends and explore opportunities for UNDP RSF engagement.
Support the maintenance and update of the editorial calendar.
Measure success of social media campaigns.
Support the development of announcements, press releases, key messages etc.
Support management of UNDP WACA social media platforms including campaign Trello Boards.
Attend briefings and conferences (where possible) and work with the communications team to produce media content – transcripts, short videos, stories etc.
Explore opportunities for media and donor field trips to project sites to showcase the impact of our work in the region.
Support the development of campaign and advocacy activities in collaboration with non-traditional partners and prominent figures.
Develop and maintain a database of partners, creatives and influencers, journalists.
Keep abreast of new platforms and tools and explore learning opportunities for growth.
Offer research, report writing and editing support to the stabilization facility team.
Offer administrative support to the stabilization facility whenever needed
Collaborate with the team to maintain a good filing system
Contribute to planning and implementation of projects of the stabilization facility team
Contribute to creating interactive and informative contents online, on radio or television and print media.
Support in identifying and updating outdated written information on the hub’s channels such blogs, reports and newsletters.

Competencies :
Technical Skills and Competencies :
Experience in essential Adobe Creative Cloud Software – Illustrator, Photoshop, Premier Pro and InDesign.
Strong Writing Skills
Excellent communication and analytical skills
Interest in the SDGs and development issues
Proactive, creative and open-minded team player with willingness to learn
Excellent collaborative spirit
Ability to work in a diverse environment
Internship Learning Opportunities
Understanding of UNDP’s work

Hands on experience on communications and social media outreach
Opportunity to learn how development agendas are translated to results
Required Skills and Experience

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

Education :
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 (1) and (2) 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.

Experience :
Experience in project and event management
Familiarity with the UN system in general
Familiarity with SDGs and Agenda 2030 desirable.

Language :
Proficiency in English
Knowledge of French would be an asset.

Conditions :
This internship will be a hybrid opportunity: intern can be stationed in Dakar or work remotely within the specific work hours and time zone.
Intern will be given monthly stipend in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP Internship policy, which applicants should become familiar with prior to signing an UNDP Internship Agreement Form . Where an intern is financially supported by an institution, government or third party, UNDP will, subject to the rules of such institution, government or third party, pay the intern the difference, if any, between the external financial support provided and the applicable UNDP Stipend.

UNDP accepts no responsibility for the medical and life insurance of the intern or costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship;

All the expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring government or institutions;
The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment within the UN System, but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.

Candidates who are shortlisted for an interview must submit prior to the interview the following documents:
Official letter from the University confirming enrolment in a graduate-level degree programme.

Only a successful candidate will be required to submit the following documents:
A copy of the applicant’s most recent resume or curriculum vitae;
A letter from his/her university confirming current enrolment and graduation date;
A copy of his/her school transcript;
A letter of recommendation from a professor;
A signed UNDP Internship Agreement;
A Medical Certificate of Good Health;
Proof of medical insurance including provision for medical evacuation and removal of mortal remains or life insurance;
Copy of passport and working visa (If needed) for Senegal