Kiswahili Language Unit Intern

Job Description

This job is with the United Nations, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

Internship Opportunity: Kiswahili Language Unit, News and Media Division

This position is located in the Kiswahili Language Unit, News Section II, News and Content Branch, News and Media Division, Department of Global Communications (DGC).

Work Location

New York or remote

Expected Duration

Minimum 2 months – maximum 6 months

About the Department

The News and Content Branch primarily provides a multimedia service to promote the universal ideals of the United Nations, including peace, respect for human rights, and development. It produces a range of audio, video, and multimedia products across nine languages, available to media organizations around the world.

The Kiswahili Language Unit is seeking interns who wish to gain hands-on experience in the UN newsroom, particularly in the production of daily news, in-depth features, and other multimedia products in Kiswahili. Interns will be working under the supervision of the Chief of the Kiswahili Unit, UN News Section II.

Duties and Responsibilities

The intern’s duties will include:

• Drafting Kiswahili news articles by integrating and translating information from various sources, including reports, press releases, official statements, resolutions, etc.
• Proofreading news articles before and after publication.
• Assisting with fact-checking and background research.
• Assisting in the production of graphic, visual, and audio content.
• Working on feature stories, conducting research and interviews, and drafting feature stories (encouraged).
• Reviewing the partnerships database by collaborating with the UN Partnerships Unit and looking for new digital media and other partners, including finding trustworthy entities that work on fact-checking and media literacy.
• Performing other duties as assigned, including outreach.

Qualifications/Special Skills

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations New York Headquarters Internship Programme, Department of Global Communications, the following conditions must be met:

1. Academic Background:
   • Be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, English and Kiswahili, or translation studies; OR
   • Be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, English, Kiswahili, or translation studies.
2. Technical Skills:
   • Be computer literate in standard word processing and spreadsheets software applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel or similar.
3. Personal Attributes:
   • Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter.
   • Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes willingness to understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Application Requirements (Special Notice)

A completed online application (Cover Note and Personal History Profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The Cover Note must include:

• Degree Programme (What are you currently studying?)
• Graduation Date (When will you graduate or when did you graduate from the programme?)
• List the IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in.
• List your top three areas of interest.
• Briefly explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship.
• Briefly explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme.

Important Note: Applicants who are children or siblings of a staff member shall not be eligible to apply for an internship at the United Nations.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks. Due to the high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted.

Competencies

• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Languages

Fluency in English and Kiswahili is required for this internship. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Additional Information

The internship is for a minimum of 2 months full-time or 4 months part-time with the possibility for extension to a total of 6 months, based on the needs of the office and the availability of the candidate.

Intern Specific Information

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.