Communications and Partnerships Intern

The Regional Bureau for Africa (RBA) leads the work of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) across Sub-Saharan Africa in implementing the organization's Strategic Plan, driven by the vision of eliminating poverty and reducing inequalities and exclusion. RBA provides strategic oversight and policy support to 46 Country Offices, helping governments advance sustainable development through innovative policy solutions and partnerships.

The Strategy, Analysis and Research Team (SART) provides strategic analysis, knowledge products and policy advice to RBA management and Country Offices. Within SART, the Africa Credit Ratings Initiative (ACRI) supports African governments in strengthening the institutional systems that underpin sovereign creditworthiness and improving access to affordable development finance. The Initiative combines technical advisory services, capacity building, knowledge products, strategic partnerships and advocacy to strengthen sovereign creditworthiness across the continent.

To support the continued growth of ACRI, UNDP is seeking a motivated Communications and Partnerships Intern to support stakeholder engagement, communications, knowledge management and partnership development. The intern will contribute to expanding the Initiative's visibility, supporting its growing Community of Practice, and strengthening relationships with governments, development partners and other stakeholders.

The internship is for three months, with the possibility of extension up to six months, subject to organizational needs. The internship is full-time (35 hours per week) with a start date of August 2026. UNDP internships are unpaid; however, interns receive a monthly stipend in accordance with UNDP policies.

• Draft social media content, newsletters, web stories and communication materials highlighting ACRI activities and results. 
• Support preparation of presentations, briefing notes, speeches and talking points for senior management. 
• Maintain and update the Africa Credit Ratings Resource Platform with publications, country resources and learning materials. 
• Assist with editing and formatting reports, policy papers and other knowledge products. 
• Track media coverage and monitor communications performance across digital platforms. 

Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain stakeholder databases and partnership contact lists. 
• Support coordination with governments, UNDP Country Offices, regional institutions, development partners and members of the Community of Practice. 
• Prepare background materials and briefing packages for high-level meetings. 
• Support follow-up with partners on agreed actions and ongoing collaboration. 

Events and Community of Practice

• Support the organization of webinars, workshops, executive programmes and other events, including logistical coordination and participant outreach. 
• Assist with managing registrations, participant communications and event documentation. 
• Support engagement of the Community of Practice through newsletters, webinar invitations and follow-up communications. 

Programme Support

• Assist with monitoring programme activities and maintaining internal tracking tools. 
• Support preparation of donor updates, progress reports and other programme documentation. 
• Perform other related tasks as required. 

• Strong written communication and editing skills. 
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. 
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage with diverse stakeholders. 
• Commitment to UNDP's values and mission. 

Communications

• Excellent writing, proofreading and storytelling skills. 
• Ability to tailor communication products for different audiences. 
• Familiarity with social media platforms and digital communications. 

Partnerships and Teamwork

• Ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders. 
• Strong coordination and follow-up skills. 
• Collaborative and client-oriented approach. 

Education

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements at the time of application:

• Be enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master's programme in communications, international relations, public policy, development studies, economics, journalism, political science or a related field; or 
• Have recently graduated (within the last year) from a relevant under/graduate programme. 

Experience

Desirable qualifications include:

• Experience in communications, stakeholder engagement, partnerships or knowledge management. 
• Excellent drafting and editing skills. 
• Experience organizing events or supporting stakeholder engagement activities. 
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications and online collaboration platforms. 
• Experience with graphic design tools (Canva or Adobe Creative Suite) and website content management is an advantage. 
• Experience working in an international organization or development context is desirable. 

Languages

• Excellent written and spoken English is required.  
• Knowledge of French is an asset. 

Learning Opportunities

The internship offers the opportunity to:

• Gain first-hand experience supporting a flagship regional initiative on sovereign credit ratings and development finance. 
• Build experience in strategic communications, partnerships and stakeholder engagement within the UN system. 
• Contribute to high-level policy dialogue involving governments, development partners and international financial institutions. 
• Develop skills in programme management, knowledge management and event coordination. 

Expand professional networks across Africa and the international development community