UNECA internship vacancy

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) is soliciting applications for a Communications Intern position located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This internship provides hands-on experience across multiple communications disciplines, including social media content creation, digital media management, event documentation, media surveillance, organizational communications, and content production.

The internship operates on a full-time, on-site basis with an anticipated duration spanning three to six months. This position is designed for individuals currently enrolled in or having recently completed tertiary education programmes in journalism, communications, media relations, linguistics, digital social media, or allied disciplines.

Position Overview
The Communications Intern shall operate under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Communication Section at UNECA Headquarters in Addis Ababa.

The intern shall facilitate communications initiatives throughout ECA’s subject matter areas, encompassing social media content development, language services, digital resources, event documentation, communications materials, media analysis, organizational communications, and investigative and evaluative work.

 

Position: Intern- Communications

Position Details

  • Organization: United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)
  • Job Title: Intern – Communications
  • Job Opening ID: 284612
  • Job Category: Affiliate Personnel – Internships
  • Level: I-1
  • Recruitment Type: Intern
  • Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  • Work Arrangement: Full-time, in-person
  • Expected Duration: 3–6 months
  • Date Posted: 17 September 2026
  • Application Deadline: 23 September 2026
  • Compensation: Unpaid internship

Work Location

The internship is expected to be full-time and in-person in Addis Ababa. The working arrangement may be further discussed with the supervisor.

Internship Responsibilities

The selected intern will support the UNECA Communication Section with the following activities:

Social Media and Content Creation

  • Support the development of content and draft messages for ECA social media channels.
  • Prepare content related to ECA thematic areas such as:
    • Climate Change
    • Regional Integration
    • Innovation
    • Infrastructure Development
    • Gender
    • UN Days and International Days
  • Assist with developing content for digital and social media platforms.

Translation and Digital Communications

  • Translate content for dissemination through media and ECA platforms, including social media channels.
  • Assist in developing digital assets for websites and social media platforms.
  • Support the creation of materials such as quote cards, GIFs, videos, and other digital content.

Events and Media Relations

  • Support coverage of conferences, webinars, and other ECA events.
  • Draft press releases, media advisories, and short blog posts for the ECA website and Intranet.
  • Participate in conferences, webinars, and events organized by ECA.

Media Monitoring and Research

  • Assist with media monitoring activities.
  • Help maintain and update the media database.
  • Assist in compiling analysis, data, and information related to ECA’s thematic activities.

Internal Communications

  • Support ECA internal communications activities relating to the priorities of the Division of Administration.
  • Perform other communications-related duties as requested.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the UN internship, applicants must meet one of the following academic requirements:

Graduate Programme

Be enrolled in a graduate school programme leading to a second university degree or equivalent, or a higher degree, in:

  • Journalism
  • Communication
  • Media Relations
  • Languages
  • Digital Social Media
  • A related field

Final-Year Undergraduate Programme

Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme, at least at bachelor’s level or equivalent, in:

  • Journalism
  • Communication
  • Media Relations
  • Languages
  • Digital Social Media
  • A related field

Applicants may also have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, or equivalent programme, subject to the internship programme’s requirements.

Applicants should indicate which eligibility criterion they meet and provide proof of their academic status. An official certificate may be required at a later stage.

Professional work experience is not required for applicants to the UN Internship Programme. However, the applicant’s field of study must be closely related to the internship.

Women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be available during the recruitment and selection process where required.

Language Requirements

English and/or French fluency is required for the UN Internship Programme.

Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable, including:

  • Arabic
  • Chinese
  • Russian
  • Spanish

Knowledge of French is considered an asset.

Important Internship Information

This is an unpaid internship. According to the UN’s internship-specific conditions:

  • Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations.
  • Travel expenses are the responsibility of the intern or sponsoring institution.
  • Visa costs and arrangements are the responsibility of the intern or sponsoring institution where applicable.
  • Accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or sponsoring institution.
  • Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship takes place may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work or employment authorization.
  • Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting an internship offer.

Application Information

Interested applicants should apply through the United Nations Inspira recruitment system.

Job Opening ID: 284612

Application Deadline: 23 September 2026

Apply Online:

Apply Here

Applicants should carefully follow the application instructions provided through the UN recruitment platform and provide proof of their academic eligibility when required.

No-Fee Recruitment Notice

The United Nations does not charge any fee at any stage of its recruitment process, including application, interview, processing, or training.

Applicants should disregard requests for payment and exercise caution when providing personal or financial information in response to employment offers.

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