Background

The is a special initiative of the UN Secretary-General hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and based in Bonn, Germany. 

Its mission is to accelerate progress toward a just, inclusive, and sustainable future by amplifying unheard communities, nurturing changemakers, and harnessing creativity to inspire hope and bold action. 

 The UN SDG Action Campaign’s work is structured around three main pillars:

Engagement Support: The UN SDG Action Campaign believes in the importance of meaningful civic participation to policy making and processes related to the SDGs at all levels to ensure a more inclusive multilateral system and greater accountability. This is why the Campaign convenes strategy meetings and consultations with civil society organizations, youth, and other stakeholders and facilitates their engagement in UN-led events and SDG processes to strengthen representation in global decision-making. 

Advocacy and Communications Support: Creativity, communication, and co-creation have the power to shape narratives, mobilize communities, and drive meaningful change. The UN SDG Action Campaign harnesses these forces through creative, open-source campaigns, impactful exhibitions, and strategic communications to inspire hope and action towards inclusive, peaceful and sustainable future. 

The Heroes of Tomorrow: UN SDG Action Awards: This signature programme of the UN SDG Action Campaign champions initiatives and committed that use creativity and innovation to drive transformative change. Through the Awards programme, the Campaign is committed to showcasing the heroes of tomorrow while sending a message of hope and possibilities. 

 In an increasingly interconnected world, the future we are shaping is a collective one. The UN SDG Action Campaign centers its efforts on advancing economic justice and solidarity, promoting gender equality and inclusion, and driving climate action and sustainable food systems.

Within the above context, the UN SDG Action Campaign is offering an graphic design internship position to support the communications and advocacy efforts of the Campaign.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Communications Specialist, the incumbent is expected to deliver on the following scope of work:

Support creating visual assets that support effective communications of the Campaign’s work on thematic priorities (economic justice, climate justice, gender equality, sustainable food systems).

Help design PowerPoint presentations, reports, publications, knowledge products, and communications materials, ensuring alignment with UN branding guidelines.

Assist in creating infographics, social media visuals, and branded content for digital and print materials.

Support creating multimedia assets for events, including the UN SDG Action Awards ceremony including banners, posters, and promotional materials.

The incumbent may also perform other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Organization.

Learning opportunities for the intern

Experience working in an international organization and in a multicultural environment

General understanding of the work and mission of the UN SDG Action Campaign and opportunity to actively contribute to the development of concepts and ideas 

Learn about the SDGs and Agenda 2030

Hands-on experience with the preparation and implementation of communications and activities in a UN team, as well as outreach and liaison with partners from across constituencies and regions

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher)

Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent)

Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) 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

Experience:

Proficient in using design software such as Adobe Suite, Canva, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, After Effects 

Familiarity with the UN system in general is an asset

Previous experience in communication design or graphic design is an asset.

Language:

Proficiency in English

Knowledge of one of the other five official languages of the UN (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) would be an asset

Conditions

Intern will be given monthly stipend in accordance with the provisions of the , which applicants should become familiar with prior to signing an . 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.

UNDP accepts no responsibility for the medical and life insurance of the intern or costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship;

All the expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring government or institutions;

The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment within the UN System, but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.

Candidates who are shortlisted for an interview must submit prior to the interview the following documents:

Official letter from the University confirming enrollment in a graduate-level degree programme

Sample portfolio of creative content creation and social media content management is preferred

Only a successful candidate will be required to submit the following documents:

A copy of the applicant’s most recent resume or curriculum vitae;

A letter from his/her university confirming current enrollment and graduation date;

A copy of his/her school transcript;

A letter of recommendation from a professor;

A signed UNDP Internship Agreement;

A Medical Certificate of Good Health;

Proof of medical insurance including provision for medical evacuation and removal of mortal remains or life insurance;

Copy of passport and working visa for Germany (The UN SDG Action Campaign does not provide a working visa for this position)

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process.