Knowledge Management and Communications Intern – Nairobi – Kenya

Background

The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF Kenya 2022 – 2026 has prioritized four target groups who are at risk of being left behind: women and girls; children and youth, people living in urban informal settlements and people living in North-Eastern Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs). Mandera, Wajir and Garissa counties, key borderland counties within the ASALs, face multiple and interlinked socio-economic factors coupled with inter/intra clan conflicts and security challenges and compounded by longstanding marginalization and exclusion. The UN Kenya and the Office of the Deputy President are implementing a two-year project, on Promoting Peace and Inclusive Development in Borderland Counties in North-Eastern Kenya, targeting Mandera, Wajir and Garissa counties. The project will be jointly implemented by the UNDP, the WFP, the OHCHR and the Peace and Development Advisor in the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office.

The project will showcase a consultative and inclusive model involving national and county governments, civil society, communities, development partners and other stakeholders to collaboratively shape peace, human security and sustainable development initiatives that subsequently address the structural causes of conflicts in the target counties. The focus will be on inclusive governance, strengthening social accountability mechanisms at the local level, building trust between communities and security forces actors through Civil- Military Cooperation (CIMIC) and the implementation of micro ‘peace dividends’ livelihood projects. Further, the project will enhance collaboration, coordination and inclusivity amongst actors implementing projects under the larger North and Northeastern Development Initiative. Improved coordination of these initiatives will contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) Kenya 2022 – 2026 and strengthen avenues for meaningful participation of the communities in their planning and implementation to enhance Northeast Kenya’s development, prosperity, and long-term stability. The project is set to be catalytic, piloting a transformative model for community engagement and participation in human security and development initiatives and processes, thereby enhancing their effectiveness and sustainability. If this model is proven successful through this project, it can be scaled up through the interventions and investments of development partners deployed in borderland areas of Kenya.

Duties and Responsibilities

 Scope of Work

The Communications Intern will collaborate with and support the Project Manager and Knowledge Management and Comms Officer (KMCO) in implementing and enhancing communication strategies, outreach, and knowledge-sharing activities for the Promoting Peace and Inclusive Development Project in Northeastern Kenya.

Project Support

• Support the Project Manager and KMCO with day-to-day project management, such as booking conference rooms, taking minutes, and any other tasks.
• Attend bi-weekly project technical meetings, take comprehensive meeting notes with a focus on actions and share with the KMCO and Project Manager for review and onward circulation.
• Assist with internal information sharing and management, including the maintenance of the project SharePoint channel.

Communication Strategies:

• Collaborate closely with the KMCO in conducting communications needs assessments for the project and participating in the formulation of communication strategies.
• Assist in drafting and editing the project’s communications and outreach strategy, aligning with country office strategic priorities and the UNDP External Communications Action Plan.

Communication Products:

• Work with the KMCO to develop regular internal and external communications products for the project, including monthly project update reports.
• Where needed, support the design of infographics and visuals to enhance reader engagement of comms products.

Media Relations and Coverage:

• Work alongside the KMCO to maintain increased coverage and understanding of the project in Kenya through local and global media stories.
• Collaborate on identifying and developing storylines for publications including human interest stories, drafting substantive articles that contribute to and generate conversations on key development issues.

Digital Communications:

• Provide support to the Knowledge Management Officer in maintaining and enhancing the project’s digital communications, including social media.

Competencies

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Education requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism, International Relations, Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation or a related field.

Min. years of relevant work experience     

• No work experience required

Required skills     

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in digital communication tools and social media platforms.
• Computer literacy, including knowledge of basic design tools such as PowerPoint and Canva.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section    Further, the interested applicants should be able to demonstrate:

• Active interest in peace, development, human rights in the Northeast region of Kenya
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment, with a willingness to travel to the project locations.

Required Language(s)

The following documents shall be required from the applicants:

• Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers.
• A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position.
• Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns or other materials.