Vacancy – Communications Internship at the United Nations University Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS), Bruges

The United Nations University Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS), located in Bruges, Belgium, is inviting applications for its Communications Internship starting in October. This is an excellent opportunity for early-career professionals to gain practical communications experience within a United Nations academic and research environment.

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About United Nations University (UNU)

For over forty years, the United Nations University (UNU) has been a trusted source of impartial research and knowledge on critical global issues such as human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development, and welfare.

• UNU employs more than 400 researchers across 13 countries.

• Its work covers the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• UNU maintains over 200 partnerships with UN agencies, global universities, and research institutions.

• Its mission is to generate policy-relevant knowledge and solutions to support global change.

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About UNU-CRIS

Established in 2001, UNU-CRIS is one of the UNU’s specialized research and training institutes. Its mission is to advance understanding of:

• Regional integration and cooperation processes

• The comparative study of regional organizations worldwide

• The interaction between regional organizations and global institutions

Since 2016, UNU-CRIS has collaborated with Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Ghent University. The institute specializes in producing policy-relevant research and training on regional integration and global governance issues.

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Internship Responsibilities

The Communications Intern will work closely with the Policy and Communications Officer and contribute to strengthening the visibility of UNU-CRIS research and activities. Core responsibilities include:

• Supporting the development of the Institute’s social media presence.

• Copyediting and disseminating academic and policy outputs.

• Creating sharp, eye-catching content across different platforms tailored for academics, policymakers, and the general public.

• Drafting publications and event announcements.

• Assisting in managing and producing content for the UNU-CRIS website.

• Collaborating on external and internal newsletters.

• Reporting on events, both virtually and in person, held at the Bruges office or with partners in Brussels and Ghent.

The intern’s core task will be to amplify the Institute’s voice by ensuring its research and activities are shared with the right audiences through appropriate communication channels.

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Required Profile and Qualifications

The ideal candidate must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a master’s degree or equivalent qualification in communications, languages, or a related field.

• Demonstrated interest in international relations, with a degree in the field considered an advantage.

• Excellent written command of English, with the ability to write clearly, concisely, and adapt to different audiences.

• Experience using Adobe Creative Suite tools (especially InDesign) and/or Drupal.

• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.

• Excellent computer literacy and web skills.

• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills, with sensitivity to multicultural environments and diversity.

• Availability to regularly attend the office in Bruges.

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Desired Qualifications

While not required, the following skills and experiences are considered an asset:

• Previous professional experience in an international setting.

• Familiarity with Africa, Asia, or Latin America, aligning with UNU-CRIS research programmes.

• Knowledge of the United Nations system.

• Working knowledge of Dutch or another UN working language.

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Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Motivation Letter

• One (1) letter of recommendation

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Diversity and Inclusion

UNU is strongly committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion within its workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified individuals regardless of gender, nationality, religion, ethnicity, or disability status.

UNU upholds a zero-tolerance policy towards conduct inconsistent with UN standards, including sexual harassment, exploitation, abuse of authority, and discrimination.

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Remuneration

• Internships are remunerated according to the UNDP stipend rate, based on the applicant’s country of residence.

• Applicants under 35 years old with a diploma from an institution financed or subsidised by the Flemish Community may be eligible for additional support from the Flanders Trainee Program.

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Duration and Contract

• The internship begins on 1 October.

• Initial duration: three months, with the possibility of extension for an additional three months, subject to performance and institutional needs.

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Application Process

• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

• Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an online interview.

• Questions can be directed to Andrew Dunn: adunn@cris.unu.edu.

Apply HERE

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Why Apply?

This internship provides a rare opportunity to gain:

• Hands-on communications experience within a United Nations research institute.

• Professional exposure to international policy discussions and research outputs.

• The chance to contribute to knowledge dissemination on global and regional governance issues.

• Networking opportunities with academics, policymakers, and researchers across the UN system and beyond.

For more Information and Applications:

Visit HERE

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