Communications Internship – Brasília

About UNDP:

The United Nations Development Programme, UNDP Brazil, offers a selected group of outstanding graduate-level students the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to the work of a successful multi-cultural international organization.

The internship programme for the Communications Unit is designed to complement development-oriented studies with practical experience in various aspects of multilateral technical cooperation, international studies, international development and inclusive growth.

The purpose of the Internship Programme is to provide an opportunity to make substantive contributions to the office’s work, mostly by providing support to the Communications Team in its daily activities and in the accomplishment of the goals and tasks that are part of UNDP Brazil Strategy.

This internship opportunity does not lead to further employment with UNDP. Its goal is to offer the intern the opportunity to learn, gather experiences and complement his/her studies.

Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of the internship.

Internships takes place at UNDP Brazil premises, in the UN House – Sergio Vieira de Mello Complex –, in Brasilia, Brazil.

About the Internship Programme:

Status

• Interns are not considered staff members. During the internship with UNDP, interns shall be subject to the Regulations Governing the Status, Basic Rights and Duties of Officials other than Secretariat Officials, and Experts on Mission (ST/SGB/2002/9).
• Interns shall not be sought or engaged as substitutes for staff and do not encumber authorized posts.
• Interns shall not represent UNDP in any official capacity or commit resources on its behalf.
• Interns shall not apply for or be appointed to any position during the period of their internship. 
• The internship period shall not be foreshortened for the purposes of allowing an intern to apply for a position.

Duration of Internship Assignments

Internship assignments vary in length according to the academic requirements of the intern, as well as the needs of UNDP. Assignments normally last a minimum of six weeks and a maximum of six months. An internship may exceptionally be approved for a maximum total duration of nine months if the intern can demonstrate it will grant him/her an educational credit for a course.

Internship assignments are available on a part-time and full-time basis.

Responsibilities and Obligations of Interns

Interns shall:

1. Observe all applicable rules, regulations, instructions, procedures, and directives of UNDP notwithstanding their status as described in paragraph 6 of this policy.
2. Provide the receiving office with a copy of all materials prepared by them during the internship. UNDP shall be entitled to all property rights, including but not limited to patents, copyrights, and trademarks, with regards to material that bears a direct relation to, or is made in consequence of, the services provided under the internship. At the request of UNDP, the interns shall assist in securing such property rights and transferring them to UNDP in compliance with the requirements of the applicable law.
3. Respect the impartiality and independence required of the United Nations and of the receiving office and shall not seek or accept instructions regarding the services performed under the internship agreement from any Government or from any authority external to UNDP.
4. Unless otherwise authorized by the receiving office, they may not communicate at any time to the media or to any institution, person, Government, or any other external party any information that has become known to them by any reason of their association with the United Nations, UNDP or the receiving office, that they know or ought to have known has not been made public. They may not use any such information without the written authorization of the receiving office, and such information may never be used for personal gain. These obligations also apply after the end of the internship with UNDP.
5. Refrain from any conduct that would adversely reflect on the United Nations, UNDP, or the receiving office and will not engage in any activity which is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations or UNDP.
6. Comply with local laws and customs.

Third-party claims

UNDP is not responsible for any claims by any parties where the loss of or damage to their property, death or personal injury was caused by the actions or omission of action by the interns during their internship.

Remuneration, insurance and interns’ expenses

Interns are not remunerated by UNDP. 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, will be paid by UNDP.

Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern.

Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP and must provide a medical certificate of good health prior to starting the internship. UNDP will not reimburse the medical insurance of the intern. Any costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship assignment will be the responsibility of the intern.

Applicants for internships must show proof of valid medical insurance for the duty station in which they will intern. For applicants who are neither nationals or residents of the duty station, the insurance must include adequate coverage in the event of an injury or illness during the internship duration which:

1. Requires transportation to the home country or country of residence for further treatment.
2. Results in death and requires preparation and return of the remains to the home country, or country of residence.

UNDP accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to personal effects that may occur during the internship.

UNDP’s expenses

Costs incurred by interns, including undertaking official travel at the request of UNDP, in the discharge of the activities related to the internship shall be reimbursed by UNDP on the same basis as costs incurred by staff members or costs reimbursed to staff members, including payment of daily subsistence allowance, as applicable.

Termination

The internship can be terminated by either UNDP or the intern for any reason upon giving two weeks’ notice.

Subsequent Employment

There is no expectation of employment with UNDP following an internship.