Education Sector Intern - Communications

Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity and Professionalism

The UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa is housed in Harare, covering nine countries: Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Zambia and Zimbabwe. Our programmes cover these nine countries in the areas of Education for sustainable development, Communication and Information systems, Science, technology and innovation, Culture and Heritage as well as human and social sciences; with a focus on the youth, women and minority groups. The regional office operates in a wider policy context, within the organization’s global policies, aligned with African regional and subregional policy frameworks, and dovetailing with national policies and planning mechanisms.

In the Education Sector, UNESCO’s goal is to support member states to implement the fourth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG4); which calls on the countries to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The sector’s key priority areas and activities will be achieved by fostering:

1. Coordinated inter-sectorial collaborations with all sector units and partners such as SADC and other UN agencies will steer ROSA’s 9 supported member states’ progress towards achieving the targets of SDG 4 through the mobilization of partners in a coordinated effort. 

2. Joint resource mobilization with other sectors; UN agencies; Institutions; and the SADC Secretariat is pertinent in addressing the common and country specific challenges in policies, capacity development and data management as Member States deliver on national, regional and global education priorities.

During the internship, the Intern will have the opportunity to learn and provide support to the development and implementation of communication and outreach/advocacy strategies and plans for the Education Unit and will be called on to (not exhaustive):

• Support the Communications Officer implement an effective sector communications strategy based on the target audience.

• Support the visibility and communication of Education Sector events including the drafting of news articles, social media messages, website content as well as the production of photos and videos.

• Support the organisation of workshops, conferences, forums, meetings and any other events.

• Maintain and update the filing system to ensure an efficient storage and retrieval of documentation relating to the programme and operations.

• Take minutes and prepare presentations and other documents as required.

• Provide administrative and logistical support for activity implementation.

• Assist in compiling and adapting documents, news, human interest stories, photo galleries and other dynamic content for regular updating of ROSA’s online media.

• Perform any other duties in support of the work of the Education Unit as delegated by colleagues in the unit.

The Intern will acquire an understanding of the overall work of UNESCO and relevant experience in effective, planning, implementation and monitoring within an international and multicultural context and more specifically in the Education Sector. The objectives are to:

• Develop an appreciation of communication in the UNESCO context.
• Understand the approach to developing and managing education projects.
• Carry out data analyses as it relates to education.
• Gain insight into development and implementation of regular and extrabudgetary education activities.
• Gain an appreciation of project/program management through learning-by-doing approaches.
• Develop domain knowledge in the field of education.
• Acquire and strengthen skills in research, writing and communication.
• Develop soft skills such as stakeholder management, presentation skills, problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills and work ethic.

After the assignment, the Intern should:

• Have an understanding of the overall work of UNESCO in particular the UNESCO Regional Office of Southern Africa (ROSA) Education Sector.

• Have developed the soft skills outlined in the UNESCO Competency Framework.

A successful candidate will be required to demonstrate the following competencies:

• Accountability 
• Communication 
• Teamwork
• Innovation
• Results focus
• Planning and organizing
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement 

Education:

At the time of your application to the internship programme:

You are currently enrolled in a graduate programme in Education, Project Management, International relations, Development Studies, Public Policy and Public Administration or any related qualification (Master’s degree, PhD, or equivalent, second university degree or higher) or you have recently graduated with a Master’s degree or PhD (or second degree as defined above), 12 months prior to the start of the internship.

Please note that candidates who have completed their full-time bachelor's degree but are not enrolled in a graduate programme are not eligible to apply.

Languages:

You should have an excellent command, both written and spoken, of English. A working knowledge of the other language (local language) is an asset, and may be required for project implementation in the field.

Computer skills: 

You must have an excellent knowledge of computer systems and office-related software.

Team player:

You should be able to work well in a team and adapt to an international working environment.

Communication skills:

You should possess strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Interns are entitled to 2.5 days of leave per month during their internship.

The UNESCO Internships Programme is open in January and July each year. Candidates shall apply to the vacancy that matches their personal expertise and domain. Candidates who successfully applied to the vacancy will stay in the intern talent pool and will be further assessed and selected by relevant hiring managers.  The candidature will be valid for 6 months. Candidates who have been selected will be contacted directly by the relevant hiring manager. Those who were not selected for an internship in the current cycle will need to reapply to the internship programme when the new internship vacancies are released.

KEEP IN MIND

• Attach your motivation letter and CV to the application and submit to vacancies.harare@unesco.org 
• Make sure your contact details will be valid in next 6 months. 
• Use English in applying.
• Even if you are eligible, there is no guarantee of placement. We receive more applications from qualified candidates than we can place.
• We do not respond to each and every candidate. If selected, you will be directly contacted by the manager. If you do not receive any update within six months, it means that your application has not been successful.

For detailed information please consult the following link: UNESCO Internship Programme 

UNESCO is committed to promoting geographical distribution and gender equality within its Secretariat. Therefore, women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, as are nationals from non- and under-represented Member States. Persons with disabilities equally are encouraged to apply. 

Worldwide mobility is required as staff members must be ready to serve in other duty stations in accordance with UNESCO’s geographical mobility policy. 

UNESCO applies a zero tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. 

UNESCO DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS.