Internship on Communications and Digital Media

 

Grade: Internship 

Publication date: 07 April 2025
Application deadline (midnight Geneva time): 30 April 2025

Vacancy no.: INTERNROSTER/2025/1/RESEARCH/1 

 

Job ID: 12783 

Department: RESEARCH 
Organization Unit: RESEARCH 
Location: Geneva, Switzerland  
Duration of contract: 3 to 6 months (starting on the 1st or the 15th of a given month)


 

You are applying to the ILO generic internship roster, which is published twice per year. The roster will be made available to all departments and field offices, which will then select and directly contact suitable candidates. Due to the high volume of applications, the ILO does not inform candidates about the status of their application. 

 

 

The ILO Internship Programme provides an opportunity for you to:

 

  1. Increase your understanding of relevant issues at the international level by involving you directly in the work of the Office and the application of ILO principles, programmes and strategies.
  2. Gain practical experience with the ILO directly related to your field of study.

 

Please note that you:

 

  • Are requested to apply to a maximum of three internship profiles, otherwise you will be automatically disqualified.
  • Must upload a cover letter. Your CV or resumé uploaded as attachments are not accepted.
  • Are able to withdraw your application at any time via the Jobs Applied section of your profile.
  • May not be contacted for the duration that this roster is active. Should this be the case, we encourage you to reapply if you are still eligible and available.
  • Should not expect employment at the end of the internship.
  • Must apply before the deadline. Late applications will not be considered.

 

The ILO values diversity:

 

We welcome applications from qualified candidates, including from persons with disabilities and those from non- or under- represented member States

If needed, reasonable accommodation will be provided to candidates with disabilities in the recruitment phase as well as during the internship to promote equality of opportunities. If you are unable to complete your online application form due to a disability, please send an email to internship@ilo.org.

If you are a national of a non- or under-represented member State, who is pursuing or has completed their studies in their home country, you may be eligible to have your travel costs covered by the ILO to Geneva, Switzerland.

 

IMPORTANT:

 

You can only apply for an internship if you:

 

  1. Have no close relative serving in the ILO (mother, father, brother, sister).
  2. Have not already undertaken an internship at the ILO.
  3. Are enrolled in a Master’s or a Doctorate Programme, or have completed such a programme in the year preceding the application.
  4. Have a working (both oral and written) knowledge of English. This is mandatory.
     

 

 

Department(s)

The ILO Research Department plays a pivotal role in advancing global labour standards and promoting social justice through evidence-based research. Its work informs policies aimed at promoting decent work for all, supporting governments, employers, and workers in addressing the challenges of a rapidly changing global workforce. Known for its flagship reports like the World Employment and Social Outlook (WESO), the department provides key insights on global labour trends and critical issues affecting work dynamics. The department also utilizes a diverse array of communication strategies, including digital-first dissemination, multimedia content, newsletters, podcasts, and infographics, to ensure that its research reaches a broad and engaged audience, including policymakers, ILO constituents, and the general public.

 

The department's communication strategy emphasizes aligning its research outputs with the ILO's advocacy goals, focusing on technological advancements, sustainable development, and addressing global inequalities. It uses platforms like social media, YouTube, and blogs to disseminate research, while enhancing internal and external partnerships to amplify its impact. By producing concise research and issue briefs, complemented by podcasts, videos, and infographics, the department ensures its findings are accessible, engaging, and relevant to the evolving needs of its global audience. Regular events like webinars, workshops, and conferences further reinforce its presence in global policy discussions.

Learning areas

•    Gain hands-on experience in multimedia content creation, social media management, and data-driven audience engagement, aligning research outputs with ILO’s advocacy goals.
•    Assist in producing engaging content such as podcasts, infographics, videos, newsletters, and blogs, ensuring research is presented in a digestible and impactful way across various digital platforms.
•    Contribute to crafting creative strategies and messaging for upcoming department outputs.
•    Liaise with other units and ILO offices at regional and country levels on joint initiatives, ensuring cohesive and impactful communication efforts.
•    Produce social media content regularly for multiple platforms.
•    Support various units in the department with their communication strategies for a range of outputs.
•    Work closely with communications team and research specialists to promote flagship publications like the World Employment and Social Outlook (WESO) and Research and Issue Briefs.
•    Occasionally support the senior management team on a range of institutional matters, including preparing reports for the PROGRAM and assisting the Director-General’s office with communication-related tasks.
•    Assist in the coordination of events, including managing in-person logistics and handling online dissemination, as well as communicating with participants.
•    Assist in curating and updating content on the official ILO global website
•    Spend 10% to 20% of time on administrative tasks such as managing communication schedules and coordinating outreach efforts.

Education

The candidate must be enrolled in or have completed a degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or a related field within the last year.

Applicants must currently be at least enrolled in a Master's degree (or equivalent), or have completed studies within 12 months prior to this application.

Experience

Previous experience in content creation, social media management, or multimedia production is an advantage. Familiarity with tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, Canva, or similar is desirable.

Languages

Proficiency in English is required (both oral and written). Knowledge of another ILO official language (French or Spanish) is an asset.

Competencies

The ideal candidate should be adaptable to an international, multicultural, and multilingual environment, possess strong communication skills, and demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.

Additional Requirements

Basic knowledge of social media analytics, digital publishing formats, and experience with organizing events/webinars is beneficial.


 

How to apply:

 

1. Search for an internship profile via the page on ILO Jobs 

2. Select the internship profile you would like to apply for, and create a profile on ILO Jobs 

3. Complete your candidate profile and apply to the internship profile

4. Be sure to attach a cover letter in the last section of the application, as applications without a cover letter will not be considered and you cannot attach a cover letter after the deadline. 

 

Selection process:

 

Following a first screening by the Human Resources Development Department (HRD), hiring departments will short-list applicants. You will be directly contacted should an internship opportunity match your profile. If you have not been contacted by any department within six months after your application, you can consider that you have not been selected by any department for this roster. If still eligible, you may apply to the next roster. 

 

If shortlisted, you may be contacted by the hiring department for a written test and/or interview. The ILO may use communication technologies such as Skype, Video or teleconference, e-mail, etc for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

 

Stipend/Financial compensations:

 

As an intern in Geneva, you will receive a stipend of 2450 CHF per month from the ILO, unless you receive funding through another institution (for example your university or a foundation). If you receive partial funding, ILO will cover the difference to ensure you receive 2450 CHF per month. Your travel to Geneva will be at your own expense. In addition to the amounts referred above, each intern shall receive the amount of CHF45 per month, or the equivalent amount in the currency in which the monthly stipend is paid, which is a contribution from the Office towards the cost of medical insurance to cover the period of the internship.

 

Qualified candidates from non- and under- represented countries may be eligible for a special fund that provides financial assistance for round-trip airfare (economy class) in addition to the stipend.

 

Insurance:

 

Please note that the ILO does not take responsibility for any costs arising from accidents and/or illness incurred during the internship. You will be responsible for your own insurance coverage for illness and accidents for the duration of the internship at the duty station (whether Geneva or the field).

 

Fraud warning:

 

The ILO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process whether at the application, interview, processing or training stage. Messages originating from a non ILO e-mail account - @ilo.org - should be disregarded. In addition, the ILO does not require or need to know any information relating to the bank account details of applicants.