In Person: Communications Intern to Support the Knowledge Project in Dubai, UAE

Background

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Project Background

The Knowledge Project is a joint initiative between UNDP's Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS) and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) established in 2008. It aims to promote knowledge societies and policies as transformational means to achieving sustainable development in the Arab States region and beyond. The project builds on the Arab Knowledge Reports, the Arab Knowledge Index, the Knowledge4All portal, the Arab Reading Index, the Knowledge Summit, the KnowTalks series, the Future of Knowledge Foresight Report series and the Global Knowledge Index (GKI), in addition to the Future Skills Academy.

In 2026, the Knowledge Project has a multifaceted work plan aimed at advancing its mission on multiple fronts. It is set to produce GKI 2026. Through the Future Skills Academy, the project is committed to reskilling and upskilling over 25,000 learners, empowering them with essential skills for the future. Additionally, the project is set to organize the Knowledge Summit and host a series of engaging KnowTalks events, providing platforms for thought leaders to discuss critical topics and disseminate valuable insights.

To enhance knowledge accessibility, the project is currently revamping the existing Knowledge4All portal and mobile application to improve the user experience. This major milestone will result in a platform that consolidates all project initiatives, ensuring timely and easy access to information for all users.

In addition to these efforts, the Knowledge Project will implement a robust outreach and dissemination strategy to maximise the impact of its project outputs, ensuring that its valuable resources reach a diverse and global audience.

Accordingly, the Knowledge Project is seeking the services of a Communications Intern, whose duties will include: developing, scheduling, and publishing bilingual English and Arabic content; assisting in producing multimedia assets and curating newsletters; managing social media platforms and the portal CMS. In addition, the intern will monitor channels, track performance using Google Analytics, maintain digital asset archives; and assist with editorial calendars, content creation, content translation, exploring the latest web trends, and general communications tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities

The intern will be based in the Dubai, UAE office. Responsibilities may include but will not be limited to the following:

• Contribute to the preparation of editorial and content calendars for the portal and related social platforms, as well as web content production.
• Assist with the preparation and dissemination of the Knowledge Project newsletter.
• Support the development, scheduling, and publishing of content across the Knowledge Project's social media platforms, including LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.
• Draft engaging English and Arabic social media copy in line with brand guidelines and regional audiences, and produce multimedia content, including graphics, carousels, videos, and reels, to support digital communications campaigns and event live coverage.
• Upload, publish, and update content on the Knowledge4All portal and mobile app through the CMS.
• Regularly monitor online media coverage and mentions of Knowledge Project initiatives across different media outlets and digital platforms.
• Monitor social media channels, the Knowledge4All portal and mobile app, respond to comments, messages and inquiries as directed, and share user feedback and observations to support improvements to the user experience.
• Support web and social media analytics and performance reporting.
• Maintain and organise digital communications assets and support the compilation and archiving of Knowledge Project data, including news, photos, videos, and other project files.
• Assist with the translation of content between Arabic and English.
• Carry out other related support tasks as required.

Competencies

Functional Competencies

• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills;
• Keen attention to detail and commitment to accuracy;
• Strong creative and visual storytelling skills;
• Interest or experience in social media, digital communications, and content creation;
• Familiarity with social media platforms and content creation tools, including Canva and video editing software;
• Good research and information-gathering skills;
• Ability to adapt content for different audiences, platforms, and formats;
• Interest in the development field and the Arab States region;
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Professionalism

• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and judgement in applying technical expertise to resolve a wide range of complex issues/problems;
• Ability to negotiate and to influence others to reach agreement;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Shows pride in work and in achievement;
• Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter;
• Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
• Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
• Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges;
• Remains calm in stressful situations;
• Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work;
• Takes responsibility for incorporating the perspective of youth and ensuring the equal participation of young people as in all areas of work.

Communication

• Speaks and writes clearly, concisely 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 audience;
• Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organisational 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.

Accountability

• Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments;
• Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards;
• Operates in compliance with organisational regulations and rules;
• Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments;
• Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Creativity

• Actively seeks to improve programmes or services;
• Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs;
• Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas;
• Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas;
• Thinks “outside the box”;
• Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things;
• Not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

Technological Awareness

• Keeps abreast of available technology;
• Understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office;
• Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks;
• Shows willingness to learn new technology.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

To be eligible for the UNDP internship programme, applicants must meet one of the following criteria at the time of application:

1. Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree (Master's or higher) in media studies, journalism, communications, marketing, graphic design, or a related field;
2. Be in the final year of a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in media studies, journalism, communications, marketing, graphic design, or a related field;
3. Have recently graduated (Bachelor's, Master's, or higher) in media studies, journalism, communications, marketing, graphic design, or a related field and must start the internship within one year of graduation;
4. Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme in media studies, journalism, communications, marketing, graphic design, or a related field where the internship is a requirement.

Experience

• Previous experience in communications, social media, content creation, or a related field is an asset;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools;
• Experience supporting social media content creation and management is an asset;
• Familiarity with content creation and design tools such as Canva and video editing software;
• Experience drafting social media copy and developing basic visual and multimedia content is an asset;
• Familiarity with social media scheduling, monitoring and analytics tools;
• Experience supporting communications campaigns, events or digital outreach activities is an asset;
• Proficiency in Content Management Systems is a plus;
• Experience working in a development, education, knowledge or related field is an advantage.

Languages

Fluency in Arabic and English (including speaking, writing and reading) is required.

Stipend

• Where an intern is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation or scholarship programme, a stipend intended to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station, must be paid by the receiving office.
• The monthly amount of the stipend will be determined for each duty station based on the stipend rates published yearly by the OHR Policy and Compensation Unit. The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.
• Where an intern is financially supported by an institution, government or third party, UNDP will, subject to the rules of such institution, government or third party, pay the intern the difference, if any, between the external financial support provided and the applicable UNDP stipend.
• No other payments of any kind will be made to an intern by the office in connection with an internship agreement.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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