“French Climate Digital Communications Intern at UNDP: A Comprehensive Guide to Responsibilities, Skills, and Career Opportunities”

February 14, 2025

11 minutes read

This French Climate Digital Communications Content Intern position at UNDP is a six-month, full-time internship focused on digital communications related to climate action. The selected intern will help translate, proofread, and create digital content in French, supporting UNDP’s efforts to engage French-speaking audiences on climate issues. Here’s a deeper breakdown of the role:

Key Responsibilities

Content Translation & Proofreading
- Proofread and refine translated materials (from English to French).
- Ensure consistency with UNDP’s French website and terminology database.
- Support translations for blog posts, photo stories, and digital campaigns.
Social Media & Digital Communication
- Draft and adapt social media posts in French for UNDP’s platforms.
- Assist in running digital advocacy campaigns to reach French-speaking audiences.
- Manage promotional content on Trello boards.
Website & Visual Content
- Help update the Climate Promise website in French.
- Assist in creating and adapting visual and video assets using Canva.
Collaboration & Best Practices
- Work with the Africa communications team to develop multimedia content.
- Support best practices for translations and promotion of content.
- Coordinate with UNDP’s external relations team to ensure proper content distribution.

Skills & Qualifications Neededhttps://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/23616

Languages: Fluent French speaker with strong English skills. Additional UN languages are a plus.
Education: Must be a graduate student or recent graduate (Master’s level or equivalent).
Experience:
- Background in communications, digital media, or social media management.
- Interest in climate change and global development.
- Familiarity with international organizations and digital communications strategies.
Technical Skills:
- Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
- Knowledge of Canva or similar tools for visual content creation.
- Strong research and writing skills, particularly for translating climate-related terms.

Internship Details

Duration: 6 months (full-time).
Location: Remote (home-based), but linked to UNDP’s New York office.
Stipend: Monthly stipend to help cover basic expenses (if not already funded by an institution or scholarship).
Insurance: Interns must have valid medical insurance for the internship duration.

What Makes This Internship Special?

Work with one of the largest UN climate action teams, gaining experience in policy advocacy, communications, and climate engagement.
Direct involvement in global digital campaigns related to climate change.
Exposure to UNDP’s internal communications processes, social media strategy, and multilingual content management.
Ideal for students or recent graduates looking to enter climate communications, international development, or digital media fields.

Challenges & Considerations

Fast-paced work environment with deadlines for content publication.
High attention to detail needed for translation accuracy.
No employment guarantee after the internship.
Interns must cover their own insurance and personal expenses if UNDP’s stipend does not fully support them.

Is This Internship Right for You?

✅ If you are passionate about climate action, international development, and digital storytelling, this is a great opportunity!
✅ If you have strong French and English writing/editing skills, this role will allow you to sharpen them while contributing to meaningful work.
✅ If you want to gain hands-on experience in digital communications, especially in a global organization, this internship is highly valuable.

French Climate Digital Communications Content Intern – Full Overview

Introduction to UNDP and the Climate Hub

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a leading global organization focused on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through policy guidance, country-level programming, and strategic partnerships. One of its core areas is climate action, where it supports governments, civil society, and the private sector in tackling climate change challenges.

The UNDP Climate Hub is a key player in implementing UNDP’s Climate Promise, which aims to help over 140 countries design and implement their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. The Climate Hub’s work includes climate change mitigation, adaptation, policy development, sustainable finance, and digital communications to amplify the impact of climate-related initiatives.

The Role of the French Digital Communications Intern

This internship focuses on French-language digital communications for UNDP’s Climate Hub. It is a remote, full-time, six-month opportunity designed for graduate students or recent graduates with strong French and English language skills and an interest in climate change, digital storytelling, and international development.

The intern will work closely with UNDP Climate Hub’s communications specialists, particularly the team managing content for Africa and other French-speaking regions. This includes proofreading, translating, editing, and creating digital content in French for UNDP’s social media, website, and climate advocacy campaigns.

Key Responsibilities of the Intern@vacancyspaces.com

1. Content Translation & Proofreading

Proofreading and Editing: Review French-language content that has been translated from English, ensuring accuracy, fluency, and consistency with UNDP’s official terminology.
Translation Support: Assist in translating blogs, news articles, case studies, and digital campaigns from English to French.
UN Terminology Database: Maintain and update UNDP’s internal terminology database for climate-related content to ensure consistency in language.

2. Digital Communications & Social Media

Drafting Social Media Content: Write and adapt French-language posts for UNDP’s social media platforms (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram).
Content Promotion: Help manage promotional Trello boards with language content for editorial planning.
Visual & Multimedia Support: Assist in creating and adapting graphics, videos, and interactive content for digital campaigns using tools like Canva.
Digital Advocacy Campaigns: Translate and adapt global UNDP campaigns into French to engage diverse audiences.

3. Website Management & Content Publishing

Website Updates: Assist in managing and updating the French version of UNDP’s Climate Promise website.
SEO Optimization: Ensure content is well-structured, properly formatted, and optimized for search engines.
Multimedia Adaptation: Adapt blog articles, policy briefs, and photo stories for web publishing.

4. Collaboration with UNDP’s Global Communications Team

Working with Africa Teams: Coordinate with UNDP’s regional teams in Africa to develop multimedia storytelling initiatives.
Interdepartmental Coordination: Collaborate with UNDP’s Bureau of External Relations & Advocacy (BERA) and other communication teams.
Best Practices in Translation & Communication: Assist in establishing standard guidelines for translating and publishing French-language climate content.

Skills and Qualifications Required

1. Education

To be eligible, applicants must meet one of the following conditions:

Be enrolled in a graduate school program (Master’s level or higher) in communications, media, digital marketing, or related fields.
Be in the final year of a Master’s program.
Have recently graduated with a relevant university degree and start the internship within one year of graduation.

2. Language Requirements

Native or fluent French speaker.
Advanced knowledge of English.
Knowledge of another UN language (Spanish, Arabic, Russian, or Chinese) is an advantage.

3. Technical & Professional Skills

Strong Research Abilities: Ability to research and adapt climate-related content for different audiences.
Writing & Editing: Experience in writing and editing content for digital platforms (e.g., blogs, social media, newsletters).
Social Media Knowledge: Familiarity with social media platforms and trends, especially in international organizations or NGOs.
Basic Graphic Design Skills: Ability to create and modify infographics, visuals, and videos using Canva or similar tools.
Digital Publishing: Experience in managing content for websites, particularly using CMS (WordPress or similar).
Attention to Detail: High accuracy in proofreading and translating complex texts.
Knowledge of Climate Issues: Understanding of global climate policies, including the Paris Agreement, COP conferences, and sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Internship Conditions & Benefits

1. Stipend & Financial Support

UNDP may provide a monthly stipend to help cover basic expenses.
If the intern receives external funding (e.g., from a university or government scholarship), UNDP may adjust the stipend accordingly.

2. Insurance & Medical Coverage

Interns must arrange their own health insurance.
UNDP does not reimburse medical expenses.
Proof of valid insurance is required before starting the internship.

3. Work Arrangement

Remote (home-based) internship with flexible hours.
Interns must have a reliable internet connection and be able to participate in virtual meetings.
Expected to work full-time (40 hours per week).

4. Leave & Absence Policy

Interns accrue 1.5 leave days per month.
Any unjustified absences exceeding nine days will result in a stipend reduction.

5. No Employment Guarantee

Completion of the internship does not guarantee future employment at UNDP.
However, the experience can be valuable for applying to UN positions, NGOs, or climate-focused organizations.

Potential Career Opportunities After the Internship

This internship offers valuable experience in the fields of climate communications, international development, and digital content creation. Here are some career paths that this experience can lead to:

Communications Officer / Digital Media Specialist in international organizations (UN, NGOs, EU institutions, etc.).
Climate Policy Researcher for think tanks, government agencies, or academic institutions.
Social Media & Content Manager for sustainability-focused organizations.
Journalist or Climate Storyteller for media outlets covering environmental and climate issues.
Project Manager in Sustainable Development with organizations working in environmental policy and advocacy.

Challenges & Considerations

While this is a great opportunity, potential applicants should be aware of some challenges:

High Workload: The role involves handling multiple tasks, often under tight deadlines.
Self-Discipline Required: Since the internship is remote, interns must be highly motivated and able to work independently.
No Relocation Support: This is a home-based internship, so there is no financial support for travel or accommodation.
Competitive Selection Process: UNDP internships attract a high number of applicants, so a strong application is crucial.

Final Thoughts – Is This Internship Right for You?

✅ Yes, if you…

Are passionate about climate action, sustainability, and digital storytelling.
Have strong French and English writing skills.
Are looking for hands-on experience in digital communications within an international organization.
Want to gain valuable connections and insight into UNDP’s work on climate change.

❌ Maybe not, if you…

Struggle with independent, remote work.
Prefer a paid, full-time job over an internship.
Lack experience in writing, social media, or translation.

French Climate Digital Communications Intern at UNDP: A Comprehensive Guide to Responsibilities, Skills, and Career Opportunities

Introduction

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) plays a pivotal role in addressing global development challenges, particularly in the areas of climate action, sustainability, and energy transition. As part of its ongoing commitment to fostering international collaboration and effective communication, UNDP is offering a French Climate Digital Communications Content Intern position. This internship, which is home-based with the possibility of being linked to UNDP’s New York office, provides an exceptional opportunity for individuals passionate about climate change, digital media, and multilingual communications.

This guide offers a detailed overview of the internship, covering responsibilities, required qualifications, expectations, benefits, and potential career opportunities.

About UNDP and the Climate Hub

The UNDP Climate Hub operates within the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) and is at the forefront of global climate action. With a portfolio exceeding $4 billion in country-level climate action projects, the Climate Hub supports more than 142 countries in designing and implementing climate-related policies. This includes Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, and sustainable development initiatives.

As part of the UNDP’s Global Policy Network (GPN), the Climate Hub provides technical support, advocacy, and program implementation across various climate-related domains. The French Climate Digital Communications Content Intern will contribute to the hub’s mission by enhancing communication efforts targeted at French-speaking audiences.

Key Responsibilities

The selected intern will work under the guidance of UNDP Climate Hub’s communication specialists, with a particular focus on producing, translating, and promoting digital content in French.

1. Content Development & Editorial Support

Assist in proofreading, editing, and ensuring the accuracy of translated content (from English to French and vice versa) to maintain UNDP’s high editorial standards.
Adapt existing UNDP communication materials, such as blogs, reports, photo stories, and corporate campaigns, for a French-speaking audience.
Support the translation of website content for the Climate Promise website to ensure consistency across digital platforms.
Help in developing new written content for articles, social media posts, and advocacy materials that align with UNDP’s messaging on climate action.

2. Social Media & Digital Communications

Draft and translate social media posts in French for UNDP’s official accounts on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Assist in crafting digital marketing strategies for climate-related advocacy campaigns to increase engagement with French-speaking audiences.
Support in maintaining the team’s promotional Trello boards by organizing and updating language content.

3. Graphic & Multimedia Support

Assist in the translation and adaptation of visual and video assets for digital campaigns using Canva or other design tools.
Work closely with communication teams to ensure that graphics, infographics, and videos are appropriately formatted and presented for French-speaking users.

4. Website & Knowledge Management

Contribute to maintaining and updating the French-language sections of the Climate Promise website.
Ensure that all climate-related terminologies are correctly translated and aligned with the United Nations Terminology Database (UNTerm).
Manage an internal terminology database to support accurate climate-related translations across UNDP platforms.

5. Collaboration & Best Practices

Work in coordination with UNDP’s Bureau of External Relations & Advocacy (BERA) and the Africa regional communications team.
Participate in discussions on best practices for multilingual digital content creation, including translation workflows and quality assurance processes.
Assist in global campaigns and projects that require a French language component, ensuring cultural and linguistic sensitivity.

Required Qualifications & Competencies

Education Requirements

To be eligible for this internship, candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:

Enrolled in a graduate program (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communications, social media, media, international relations, or a related field.
Enrolled in the final academic year of a second university degree (minimum Master’s level).
Recently graduated from a relevant program (within one year of application submission).

Essential Skills & Experience

Candidates should possess a combination of technical, linguistic, and interpersonal skills that make them suitable for the role.

1. Language Proficiency

Fluency in French (native or near-native level).
Advanced English skills (strong writing and editing capabilities).
Proficiency in additional UN languages (Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Chinese) is considered an asset.

2. Digital Communications & Content Creation

Experience in translating, writing, or editing content for websites, social media, or digital platforms.
Familiarity with social media management and engagement strategies for international organizations.
Basic knowledge of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and content optimization.

3. Technical & Multimedia Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
Experience using Canva or other digital design software for multimedia content.
Basic understanding of WordPress or other content management systems (CMS).

4. Research & Analytical Skills

Ability to conduct research on climate-related terminology and translate technical content accurately.
Experience in data collection and analysis for digital content performance tracking.

5. Interpersonal & Teamwork Skills

Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently.
Capacity to collaborate effectively in a multicultural team environment.
Ability to adapt content for different audiences while maintaining UNDP’s editorial style.

Internship Benefits & Conditions

Stipend & Financial Support

UNDP may provide a stipend to cover basic expenses (e.g., meals and transportation).
If the intern receives financial support from an external institution, UNDP may adjust the stipend accordingly.

Insurance & Health Requirements

Interns must provide proof of medical insurance covering accidents, illness, and potential repatriation costs.
UNDP does not reimburse medical insurance costs but requires adequate coverage for the duration of the internship.

Leave & Working Hours

Interns accrue leave at a rate of 1.5 days per month.
Any unjustified absences exceeding nine days may result in deductions from the stipend.

Post-Internship Employment

Internships do not guarantee future employment with UNDP.
Interns cannot apply for UNDP staff positions while their internship is active.

Career Opportunities & Professional Growth

Completing a UNDP internship in climate communications can open doors to numerous career pathways, including:

UN Careers: Opportunities in UN agencies such as UNEP, UNFCCC, and UNESCO.
International NGOs: Positions in climate advocacy organizations like WWF, Greenpeace, and The Climate Group.
Government & Policy Work: Roles in ministries focused on climate policy and sustainable development.
Journalism & Media: Careers in environmental journalism, digital media, and multilingual content creation.

Final Thoughts: Why Apply for This Internship?

This internship offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to global climate action while developing valuable skills in digital communications, multilingual content creation, and international development. Candidates will gain hands-on experience working with UNDP’s Climate Hub and enhance their professional network in the sustainability sector.

For individuals passionate about climate change and global communication, this role provides a unique platform to drive impact, build expertise, and shape the future of climate advocacy.

Don’t miss out—apply before February 17, 2025!