Communications Intern, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Background Information - Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka UNOPS in Sri Lanka is based in Colombo and is responsible for helping...
Sri Lanka
UNOPS in Sri Lanka is based in Colombo and is responsible for helping the Government of Sri Lanka and partner organizations deliver social and economic rehabilitation in areas affected by the 2004 tsunami and decades of armed conflict. UNOPS in Sri Lanka helps partners achieve their project goals in sectors including physical infrastructure, the environment and poverty mitigation.
UNOPS has supported Sri Lanka’s development since 1998, expanding operations in 2005 to support the post-tsunami response and reconstruction process. Within the organization’s mandate in project management, infrastructure, and procurement, UNOPS Sri Lanka implements customized socio-economic development projects that benefit vulnerable people and develop national capacities. Achievements in Sri Lanka include the development of sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure, procurement services & capacity building, and project management in education, fisheries, roads, health, water supply systems; flood control and sanitation, and integrated solid waste management sectors. UNOPS works closely with Government counterparts and communities to ensure increased ownership, sustainability, and accountability of Projects.

UNOPS Sri Lanka facilitated over $22 million worth of procurement of COVID-19 protection equipment and services in partnership with the World Bank, the Government of Japan, and the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund. Currently, UNOPS is conducting about $5 million pharmaceutical procurement to strengthen the Sri Lanka health system and support the people in need.

Background Information - Job-specific
Reporting to the Head of PMO, the successful candidate will contribute to the pr...
Reporting to the Head of PMO, the successful candidate will contribute to the promotion of UNOPS results, through social media content creation, media relations and event organization, while bringing a fresh view to the processes to facilitate the work of the Communications Unit.

At the end of this internship, the successful candidate will have gained experience in:

• Exposure to an international multicultural work environment and team
• Hands-on experience in various aspects of communication, working closely with senior communication professionals, learning from their expertise and gaining valuable insights into the industry.

Functional Responsibilities
Research, analyse and report approaches to management of social media, which wou...

• Research, analyse and report approaches to management of social media, which would lead to better positioning of UNOPS in the country
• Assist in the development and production of written, multimedia, and digital and graphic content for the website, social media and other communication channels in line with the research findings; creating and scheduling posts, responding to comments and messages, and tracking social media metrics
• Prepare templates for conducting interviews with external and internal stakeholders in order to gather content for newsletters, articles, videos, and other materials
• Prepare templates for press releases and media advisories
• Prepare templates for newsletters
• Support organisation of press conferences, media briefings and other media events
• Establishing and maintaining a database of media and track media coverage of organisation’s work
• Provide support in the development and implementation of events, campaigns conferences and workshops
• Provide general administrative support to the Head of PMO and Communications Officer, as needed, including scheduling meetings, taking minutes, and organizing files

Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education A first level University Degree in Communications, Pub...
Education

• A first level University Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Social Studies or Arts. (If you have not yet received your degree certificate, a confirmation of completion letter from the university will suffice).
  
• The intern should be enrolled in a university programme such as Bachelor, Masters or Ph.D. (or the equivalent) OR have graduated from such studies within three (3) years prior to the application date of the internship.

Work experience

While no previous work experience is required for the internship, it will be considered an asset if the intern has:

• Experience in digital design/illustration and familiarity with design tools such as Photoshop, Canva and Illustrator.

• Experience with social media platforms; including Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn and handling social media posts and comments in English, Sinhala and/or Tamil.

• Strong writing and editing skills.

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Positive attitude and eagerness to learn.

Language requirements:

• Fluency in written and spoken English and Sinhala and/or Tamil is required.

Competencies
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and enc...

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Internship Contract level: Intern Contract dura...

• Contract type: Internship
• Contract level: Intern
• Contract duration: Initially 6 months ;with the possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding

For more details about UNOPS internships please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Internships-and-volunteering.aspx

Additional Information
This position is open to Sri Lankan Nationals ONLY. Female candidates...

• This position is open to Sri Lankan Nationals ONLY.

• Female candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.