Internship with IRIN, humanitarian news and analysis service

Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN) - Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

Internship description:

The Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN) is a humanitarian news and analysis service that is part of the Communications and Information Services Branch (CISB) of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). IRIN is currently looking for interns to work in Geneva for a period of three months, with a possible extension to six months. The internship begins on a mutually agreeable date in October 2011.

He/she will be tasked with:

• Researching outreach and resource mobilization opportunities for IRIN, in particular with the media, governmental institutions, universities, NGOs and humanitarian foundations and networks. Make recommendations on how IRIN can collaborate with them in order to increase the external use of IRIN's products.

• Disseminating IRIN information and products and initiate contact with potential IRIN users in support of outreach and marketing goals.

• Assisting in responding to queries regarding the services of IRIN from OCHA staff and external partners.

• Supporting IRIN’s day-to-day field operations by interfacing with various UN entities in Geneva on behalf of IRIN.

• Initiating contact with potential subscribers and other partners by telephone or in writing

• Attending weekly inter-agency meetings and report proceedings to IRIN headquarters with a view towards flagging issues and developing trends in humanitarian action for potential editorial coverage.

Desired Profile:

• General knowledge in current humanitarian affairs and issues • Excellent skills in performing research and reporting relevant findings • Self-starter who is able to work with minimum supervision and, when necessary, adapt to changing priorities • Flexibility, including the ability to work in a multicultural international environment and with colleagues located in distant locations • Creativity and ability to think "out of the box" • Strong computer skills: MS Office Suite, standard web-based applications and social media platforms and other current interactive information sharing tools • Fluency in spoken and written English and, with preference, proficiency in French. Knowledge of other languages is an asset. • Currently enrolled in a masters programme (Social Sciences, International Relations, Communications, Library and Information Science or other related fields)

How to apply:

To apply, please send a cover letter and CV to irinnews@un.org . Only candidates that are shortlisted will be contacted.

Please note:

The internship is unpaid and the intern is not allowed to apply for jobs within the UN Secretariat for a period of six months following the internship. Applicants funded through academic grants or scholarships are encouraged to apply.

If selected, the candidate must provide a statement from his/her university proving enrolment in a Master's degree programme.