Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
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.
With the extensive network of Country Offices, expertise in key development areas such as Poverty Eradication and Inclusive Growth, Good Governance, Environment and Climate Change, Crisis Prevention and Recovery, and Gender, as well as the integrator role for UN development assistance, UNDP has been partnering with Japan to support and enhance the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), initiated in 1993, as one of the key forum for the advancement of dialogue and collaboration on African development. UNDP, as one of the co-organizers of TICAD along with Japan, UN-Office of Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA), the World Bank and African Union Commission (AUC), has hosted a Special Unit for TICAD, which has been progressively integrated into the UNDP Regional Bureau of Africa (RBA) with a view to enhancing integrated UNDP support for the TICAD process. Through the Special Unit for TICAD, UNDP has consistently supported the successful expansion and evolution of the TICAD process and provided critical support in all relevant areas, including strategic, substantive, programmatic, technical and operational.
The Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) was successfully held from 20–22 August 2025 in Yokohama, Japan, under the theme “Co‑creating Innovative Solutions with Africa.” As a co‑organizer of the Conference, UNDP played a central role in shaping the agenda, convening high‑level dialogues, and amplifying African priorities related to youth leadership, innovation, human security, sustainable finance, and private‑sector–led growth. In the lead‑up to and following TICAD 9, UNDP significantly expanded its communications, advocacy, and public outreach efforts. This included the production of flagship publications, media engagement across Japanese and international outlets, high‑visibility youth‑focused initiatives, and strategic storytelling on Japan‑funded development results in Africa.
The TICAD Unit is also instrumental in the provision of strategic and advisory outreach to facilitate collaboration between Japanese counterparts and UNDP country offices, particularly Japan funded projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2025, the TICAD Unit supported the overview of 16 projects totalling 29.7 million USD in 13 countries.
Against this backdrop, strengthening the TICAD Unit’s communications capacity is essential to support post‑TICAD 9 follow‑up and the impact of Japan-funded projects through results‑based storytelling, digital outreach, and coordination across internal and external partners. A Communications Intern will play a critical role in supporting these efforts, contributing to content development, knowledge management, and strategic outreach linked to Japan–Africa–UNDP cooperation.
Duties and Responsibilities
Specific assignments for interns at TICAD Unit may include;
- Collaborate with team members to identify and gather relevant content, success stories, and updates from UNDP Country Offices in the Sub-Saharan African region,
- Support in drafting, editing, designing of above communication materials,
- Create and design engaging visuals for internal communications that resonate with different audiences,
- Provide assistance with the organization of knowledge sharing materials amongst UNDP-Japan project recipient country offices,
- Assist with any other communications tasks as required.
Competencies
General:
- Able to take initiative and work independently, with minimum supervision,
- Highest standards of integrity, discretion, and loyalty,
- Excellent organizational, inter-personal, communication and administrative skills,
- Proven ability to manage diverse and complex tasks, with tight deadlines,
- Commitment to the UNDP vision, mission, and strategic goals.
Communication Skills:
- Speaks and writes clearly 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 the audience.
Teamwork:
- Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals,
- Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others,
- Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Applicants to the UNDP Internship Programme must meet one of the following requirements at the time of application:
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (e.g., a master’s or higher).
- Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (e.g., bachelor’s degree or equivalent).
- Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one year of graduation.
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.
Additional Requirements:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, with demonstrated ability in drafting text and completing reports.
- Proficiency in creating visually appealing content using design tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Premiere, and Illustrator.
- Proficiency in French is an advantage.
- Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
- Strong interactive and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
Duration of internship:
- Internship assignments typically last between 3 and 6 months, with a preference for candidates who can commit to the full duration.
- Internships may be full-time or part-time, and remote or in-person, depending on the needs of the TICAD Unit and the candidate’s availability.
Intern Conditions - UNDP internship programme does not provide a salary or remuneration for the internship.
- UNDP offers a modest monthly stipend to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station.
- All other expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring Government, or institution.
- UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship.
- The intern is responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed.
- Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship.
- The intern must provide proof of enrollment in a health insurance plan.
- Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.
Application and Selection Process - Internships are competitive and selected based on merit, with consideration given to geographical diversity.
- Shortlisted candidates may be asked to submit additional materials or attend an interview.
Disclaimer
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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This position is no longer open.
