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.
1. CORPORATE BACKGROUND:
UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results.
UNDP is working to strengthen new frameworks for development, disaster risk reduction and climate change. We support countries' efforts to achieve the new Sustainable Development Goals, which will guide global development priorities through 2030. The key 2030 Agenda principle of leaving no one behind and stamping out inequality is at the core of everything we do.
UNDP focuses on helping countries build and share solutions in three main areas:
- Sustainable development
- Democratic governance and peacebuilding
- Climate and disaster resilience
In all our activities, we encourage the protection of human rights and the empowerment of women, minorities and the poorest and most vulnerable.
11. INTERNSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND:
The Communications Unit at UNDP Rwanda plays a central role in shaping the visibility, outreach, and positioning of the Country Office. It ensures that UNDP’s work is effectively communicated to partners, media, government counterparts, civil society, and the wider public.
The Unit is responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies, managing digital and social media platforms, producing knowledge and advocacy products, coordinating media engagement, and supporting high-level events. It also contributes to resource mobilization and partnership-building by showcasing results and impact stories that highlight UNDP’s contribution to Rwanda’s Vision 2050, the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
An internship in the Communications Unit will provide hands-on exposure to strategic communications in an international development context, including content creation, social media management, campaign design, event communications, and stakeholder engagement.
111. DUTIES:
The intern will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:
Social Media Management & Content Creation (40%)
• Draft, edit, and schedule social media posts across UNDP Rwanda platforms (X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube).
• Support daily monitoring of engagement, trends, and analytics.
• Organize social media calendars and ensure alignment with global and country-level campaigns.
Communications Campaigns & Knowledge Products (40%)
• Assist in planning and rolling out medium-scale communications campaigns (e.g., thematic days, programme launches, advocacy drives).
• Support the development of human-interest stories, web articles, newsletters, and other written content.
• Contribute to visual/multimedia content development (basic photography, graphics, short videos) in collaboration with the Communications Unit.
Administrative & Logistical Support (15%)
• Support event communications, including media coordination, live social media coverage, and logistics.
• Maintain communications databases, photo libraries, and archives.
• Provide general administrative support to the Communications Unit, including meeting notes, procurement requests, and documentation.
Other(5%)
Support other/ad hoc communications-related activities as seen relevant and needed (e.g., research, partner visibility, internal communications).
IV. REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:
- currently in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree; or
- currently enrolled in a Master’s degree; or
- have graduated no longer than 1 year ago from a master’s degree or equivalent studies.
Field of study: Communications, Media Studies, Journalism, Public Relations, International Development, or related field .
IT skills:
- Knowledge and a proficient user of Microsoft Office productivity tools;
- Familiarity with digital and social media platforms (Twitter/X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube).
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- Basic skills in graphic design, video editing, or digital content creation (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop, Premiere Pro) are an asset.
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- Ability to conduct online research and compile information effectively.
Language skills:
- Fluency in English is required.
- Knowledge of French and/or Kinyarwanda is a strong asset.
- Knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.
Other competencies and attitude:
- Interest and motivation in working in an international organization;
- Good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation;
- Outgoing and initiative-taking person with a goal oriented mind-set;
- Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently;
- Good in organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
- Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view;
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
V. INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS
- UNDP internships are not remunerated. All expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern or her/his sponsoring entity;
- UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
- Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed;
- Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship;
- Interns must provide proof of enrolment in health insurance plan;
- Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity;
- Interns are expected to work full time but flexibility is allowed for education programmes;
- Interns need to obtain financing for subsistence and make own arrangements for internship, travel, VISA, accommodation, etc.
Disclaimer
Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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