External Relations (Media and Parliament) Internship

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. Every year, millions of men, women and children are forced to flee their homes to escape conflict and persecution. UNHCR’s staff work in 130 countries around the world, from major capitals to remote and often dangerous locations, using their expertise to protect and care for millions of people. Wherever refugees arrive, UNHCR works closely with governments to ensure the 1951 Refugee Convention is honoured.

The ideal candidate for this position will be a recent graduate, with a demonstrable commitment to refugee issues. You should have a desire to develop skills and experience in media relations, communications and parliamentary affairs.

You should have the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality at all times, and good interpersonal skills, flexibility and attention to detail are essential. Knowledge of parliamentary procedure and advocacy and/or a detailed knowledge of best practice in social media communication is an advantage.

Main function: Providing support to the External Relations Unit

Duration: Six months; Full Time

Location: London, UK (Likely to be a mix of at-home and in-office working depending on the public health guidance regarding Covid-19)

Contract: Internship

Key duties and responsibilities:

· Monitoring Parliament, compiling daily Hansard reports of proceedings in the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and producing a daily briefing on relevant debates and reports.

· Daily monitoring the UK’s print and online media, reporting on refugee and asylum matters and assisting in the preparation of material for the media.

· Responding to enquiries from the media and members of the public via email and telephone.

· Maintaining a database of media contacts.

· Maintaining a database of contacts for parliamentarians.

· Developing content for UNHCR UK’s website and social media channels.

· Assisting with development and running of external relations events.

· Providing support to the daily running of the office and in particular the External Relations Unit, including administrative support.

Knowledge, experience, skills relevant for position:

· Experience of updating and managing organisational social media accounts, and websites.

· Strong verbal communication and writing skills in English.

· Experience and interest in organising and running events.

· Analytical and drafting skills.

· Good intercultural communication skills.

· Ability to work as part of a team.

· Knowledge of UK current affairs and political climate.

Graduates with a background in media, journalism, politics, international relations, development studies or other relevant disciplines are encouraged to apply.