Intern – Department of Media and Communications (DMC)
IOM - UN MigrationJobsCloseBy Editorial Insights
An onsite internship with IOM’s Department of Media and Communications in Geneva offers experience shaping visual storytelling. Open to university students in their final year or recent graduates aged 20–36 with less than two years of experience, the role supports the Brand and Graphic Design Manager with infographics, banners, posters, motion graphics, layouts, and event materials. Key requirements: strong Adobe Creative Suite skills, Canva, After Effects, solid brand guidelines knowledge, and English fluency; additional UN languages are a plus. To apply, curate a targeted portfolio, attach a concise CV and cover note, and apply online; stipends vary by location, and be ready for assessments.
IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration.
The Internship Programme aims at attracting talented students and graduates who have a specific interest in, or whose studies have covered, areas relevant to IOM programmes and activities. Interns must be between 20 and 36 years old and should have less than two years of relevant working experience.
In general, the Internship Programme aims at attracting talented students and graduates who:
a) have a specific interest in, or whose studies have covered, areas relevant to IOM programmes and activities;b) are holding a scholarship for internship placements in international organizations and/or for whom internship is required to complete their studies; orc) are sponsored by governmental/non governmental institutions and/or academia to work in specific areas relevant to both IOM and the sponsor.d) are either enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent) or have graduated in the last 12 months.e) are between 20 and 36 years of age.
Background Information
The Department of Media and Communications (DMC) leads IOM’s global communications strategy, media engagement, digital platforms, branding, storytelling, and internal communications. The Department works to strengthen public understanding of migration and displacement issues, enhance visibility of IOM’s operational impact worldwide, and ensure coherent strategic communication across headquarters, regional offices, and country missions. The Department coordinates global campaigns, supports crisis communications, manages media relations, produces digital and multimedia content, and drives internal engagement initiatives including staff information products and corporate storytelling.
SupervisionUnder the overall supervision of the Director of the Department of Media and Communications and the direct supervision of the Brand and Graphic Design Manager, the Intern will support visual communications across the Organization. The candidate will participate in creating and implementing components of IOM visibility.
Develop creative and eye-catching designs that align with the IOM brand style guide.
Create visual materials, such as infographics, illustrations, banners, posters, simple infographics animations, and social media assets.
Collaborate closely with the Brand and Graphic Design Manager, to gather project requirements, and understand the context of each assignment.
Produce campaign-specific visual materials that effectively communicate themes and key points.
Layout reports, info sheets, and other publication materials;
Assist in design and implementation of templates such as brochures, event materials, info sheets, presentations and situation reports.
Perform other duties as may be required.
Developed strong brand identity skills by applying a global institutional style guide across diverse communication materials, ensuring visual consistency and professional brand alignment.
Expanded multimedia design capabilities, producing infographics, illustrations, social media graphics and simple motion animations tailored to different audiences and communication goals.
Strengthened editorial and publication design expertise through hands-on layout of reports, factsheets, and templates using advanced typography, layout systems, and accessibility principles.
Gained campaign-focused visual storytelling skills, learning to translate complex messages and themes into engaging, clear, and audience‑appropriate visual concepts.
Improved collaboration and creative workflow proficiency, working closely with senior designers to interpret briefs, iterate on feedback, and deliver high-quality, production‑ready assets.
University degree in Visual Communications, Graphic Design or a related field.
Demonstrated academic or practical experience in one or more of the following areas:
Excellent knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop) · Proficiency in Canva and After Effects to create simple animations;
Strong understanding of handling brand guidelines; and,
Experience in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Strong organizational and coordination skills.;
Good interpersonal skills. Work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues and counterparts from diverse cultures and professional backgrounds;
Ability to speak and write clearly and effectively;
Use time efficiently to prioritize assignments;
Interest in migration, humanitarian issues, and international cooperation; and,
Excellent computer skills on macOS.
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).
Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments. Required Competencies IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process. Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:- Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
- Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
- Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
- Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
- Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.
- Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
- Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
- Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
- Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
- Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.
Eligibility and Selection
In general, the Internship Programme aims at attracting talented students and graduates who:
a) have a interest in, or whose studies have covered, areas relevant to IOM programmes and activities;
b) are either enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent) or have graduated in the last 12 months.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and additional enquiries will only be addressed if the candidate is shortlisted.
- Depending on experience and location, IOM provides a small monthly stipend to help offset costs.
- Please consider the cost of living in the duty station prior to applying.
- Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
- Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
- Depending on experience and location, interns are granted a small monthly stipend to help offset costs. Interns benefiting from an internship allowance or scholarship granted by his/her university or other sponsoring body that includes financial remuneration or credits for coursework will not be eligible for the stipend.
- IOM covers Interns against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the assignment. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Interns are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work.
- IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
- IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
- IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.