INTERN – ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

Work Location

Office based – Hybrid

Expected duration

6 months Start date: 1 July 2024

Duties and Responsibilities

ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP is one of three original, founding implementing agencies of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), alongside the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The GEF also partners with 15 other Agencies to help developing countries and those with economies in transition to meet the agreed incremental costs of measures designed to achieve global environmental benefits in six focal areas: biological diversity, climate change (both mitigation and adaptation), international waters, chemicals and wastes management and, land degradation. The GEF Coordination Office has the overall accountability for UNEP GEF corporate activities. It coordinates, monitors and tracks the GEF portfolio, and serves as a key adviser to the Senior Management Team on policy and operational related matters. It acts as a facilitator to assist Divisions in programming and delivery of GEF Portfolio, ensuing coherence and consistency. The GEF Coordination Office also consolidates, coordinates, and facilitates all external communication with the GEF Secretariat and other members of the GEF partnership including UN sister agencies, regional banks, and governments. Under the direct supervision of the Programme Coordination Officer, and the overall guidance of UNEP’s Global Environment Facility (GEF) Executive Coordinator, the intern will: 1. Contribute to research on selected operational topics such as GEF policies, compliance and efficiency. 2. Assist in GEF Portfolio disclosure on key platforms such as UNEP Open Data and GEF Portal. 3. Assist in handling internal processes including project registry and follow up. 4. Respond to requests for GEF portfolio data, working with other team members to gather necessary information and articulate a response. 5. Support in communication and outreach activities. 6. Assist in following up with five GEF Focal Areas to identify and pre-empt issue and ensure reports are delivered on time. The Internship is for 6 months and UNPAID. Interns work five days per week (40 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned. Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions.

Qualifications/special skills

UNEP is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development with the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: a. Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) in environmental sciences/management, public policy, business administration, or a related field. b. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); c. Have graduated with a university degree. Preferred Area of Study: academic background in environmental sciences/management, public policy, business administration, or a related field. Fully proficient computer skills and use of web-based platforms and relevant software e.g. word processing, PowerPoint, excel, internal databases, Internet etc. Preference may be given to master’s candidates. Candidate should demonstrate keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the United Nations Charter. Candidate should demonstrate ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views. Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required. Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PH.D. Programme. Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable. NOTE: “fluency equals a rating of “fluent” in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of “confident” in two of the four areas.

Additional Information

Not available.

Intern Specific text

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.