Intern – Environmental Affairs (7 positions)

Work Location

Geneva

Expected duration

The Internships will be for a minimum of three (3) months and a maximum of six (6) months. The timing of the internship can be flexible according to the prospective interns’ availability and academic constraints. The Internship is UNPAID and full-time. Interns work five days per week (35-40 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned.

Duties and Responsibilities

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. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates international trade in specimens (plants, animals and parts and derivatives thereof) of about 36,000 species listed in the three Appendices of the Convention. In order to efficiently implement the Convention and ensure that when international wildlife trade occurs, it is legal, sustainable and traceable, Parties to CITES need to have in place adequate national legislation and designate one or more Management and Scientific authorities. The role of the Secretariat is to support Parties in the effective implementation of the Convention and the related Resolutions and Decisions. To further assist Parties and to ensure that the Convention continues to respond to current conservation needs and challenges, the Conference of the Parties is directing the Secretariat to undertake an increasing number of specific activities. The Secretariat is also tasked with organizing the annual meetings of the permanent committees and with organizing smaller ad hoc workshops and consultations. Seven internship positions are available. The Internships will be for a minimum of three (3) months and a maximum of six (6) months. The timing of the internship can be flexible according to the prospective interns’ availability and academic constraints. The Internship is UNPAID and full-time. Interns work five days per week (35-40 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned. Duties and responsibilities: Science Unit (1 intern): Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer(s) of the CITES Science Unit, the intern will: • Assist with conducting research and analyses related to the implementation of specific CoP Decisions and Resolutions allocated to the Science Unit • Assist in conducting background research for the preparation of substantive meeting documents • Compile and prepare analyses of information submitted by Parties in response to various calls for information related to their implementation of the Convention • Assist with other tasks as assigned by the supervisor. The following qualifications are required for this internship: • Academic qualifications in a relevant scientific area, including conservation biology; environmental or political sciences; wildlife, forestry or fishery management; ecology; etc.; • Ability to undertake research, provide analytical and programmatic support, and compile, organize, and analyze data; and • Interested in working at the science-policy interface. • Fluency in English is required. Fluency in French or Spanish is desirable. Legal Unit (1 Intern): Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer(s) of the CITES Legal Unit, the intern will: • Assist with conducting research and analyses related to the implementation of specific CoP Decisions and Resolutions • Assist in conducting background research for the preparation of substantive meeting documents. • Assist in preparing documents for the meetings of the permanent committees. • Compile and prepare analyses of information submitted by Parties in response to various calls for information related to their implementation of the Convention. • Assist with other tasks as assigned by the supervisor. The following qualifications are required for this internship: • Academic qualifications in law (public, international, criminal, environmental) or social sciences. • Interest and motivation to work on legal, compliance, and enforcement matters related to CITES; • Excellent writing skills are desirable. • Fluency in English is required. Fluency in French or Spanish is desirable. Enforcement Unit (1 Intern) Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer of the CITES Enforcement Unit, the intern will: • Assist in conducting background research and preparation of briefing papers and documentation on enforcement matters required for meetings of CITES governing bodies; • Compile and prepare analyses of information submitted by Parties in response to various calls for information related to their implementation of the Convention; • Assist with the delivery of activities to support the implementation of CITES decisions and recommendations on enforcement matters; • Assist in the preparation of documents and materials for the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC) and support the implementation of activities related to ICCWC; • Assist in communication with Parties and partner organizations such as INTERPOL, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the World Bank, and the World Customs Organization; • Assist in updating CITES and ICCWC websites and other enforcement related web-portals; • Assist in the process of planning and organizing meetings, telephone conferences, and workshops/side events; • Prepare, review, and update, as appropriate, presentations and other materials on CITES and ICCWC to be used during workshops and meetings; • Participate in meetings as appropriate to represent the interests of the CITES Enforcement Support Team; • Minute taking and preparation and distribution of documents as may be required before and after meetings; • Assist with other tasks as assigned by the supervisor. The following qualifications are required for this internship: • Academic qualifications in law enforcement, policing, criminal justice, homeland security, environmental law, or related field. • Interest and motivation to work on enforcement matters related to CITES. • Experience with compliance or enforcement (judiciary, customs, policies, wildlife authority) will be an asset. • Excellent writing skills are desirable. • Fluency in English is required. Fluency in French or Spanish is desirable. Outreach and Projects Unit (1 intern) Under the direct supervision of the Chief of the CITES Outreach and Projects Unit, the intern will: Assist in planning, researching, producing, and releasing communications and multimedia materials on a broad range of wildlife conservation topics across various CITES channels. The activities will have a focus on communications and social media with graphics/image development work and may include, among other related tasks: • Social media content drafting • Web and digital communications • Photo and video editing & production • Designing outreach materials such as factsheets, presentations, etc. • Support for campaign preparations. The following qualifications are required for this internship: • Academic background and experience in communication, visual arts, environmental science, or other relevant areas (including social media, web development/management) • Experience with graphic design software applications, such as the Adobe content creation suite, Canva, or similar, is required. • Knowledge of website content management systems (e.g., Drupal) is desirable • Excellent writing skills in English • Fluency in English is required. Fluency in French or Spanish is desirable. Governing Bodies Unit (1 Intern) Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer of the CITES Governing Bodies Unit, the intern will: • Assist in the preparation of documents and reports to be submitted to the CITES permanent committees • Assist with logistical support during meetings of the permanent committees in Geneva • Assist with updating of relevant webpages and uploading of documents during the meetings • Assist with the document tagging and archival system within the CITES Secretariat • Compile and prepare analyses of information submitted by Parties in response to various calls for information related to their implementation of the Convention (e.g., implementation reports) • Assist with notetaking from meetings as assigned by the supervisor • Assist with other tasks as assigned by the supervisor of the intern. The following qualifications are required for this internship: • Academic qualifications in political science, social science, environmental law, or related field. • Knowledge of archiving and cataloging is an advantage • Knowledge of website content management systems (e.g., Drupal) is desirable • Fluency in English is required. Fluency in French or Spanish is desirable. Administration and Finance Unit (1 Intern) Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer of the CITES Administrative and Finance Unit, the intern will: • Assist in planning and organizing meetings, telephone conferences, and side events. • Assist with archiving and record-keeping. • Assist in collecting administrative and financial data for uploading into the database • Assist with other tasks as assigned by the supervisor of the intern. The following qualifications are required for this internship: • Academic background in business administration or public administration. • Knowledge of database access design is desirable. • Fluency in English is required. Fluency in French or Spanish is desirable. Office of the Secretary-General (1 Intern) Under the direct supervision of the Secretary-General of the CITES Secretariat, the intern will: • Assist in the process of planning and organizing high-level events at CITES • Compile and prepare analyses of information in response to various calls for information related to the implementation of the Convention by the Parties • Assist with communication and social media by the SG. • Assist with other tasks as assigned by the supervisor The following qualifications are required for this internship: • Academic qualifications in economics, social sciences, communications, international relations, and diplomacy or related fields. • Ability to undertake research, provide analytical and programmatic support, and compile, organize, and analyze data; and • Fluency in English is required. Fluency in French and Spanish is desirable.

Qualifications/special skills

Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. Academic background that is closely related to the requirements of the internship that you are applying for is required. Competencies: COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreedstrategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently

Languages

English,French and Spanish are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French or Spanish 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

Applicants must, at the time of application meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent); or (b) be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent or higher); or (c) have graduated with a university degree. Your application for this internship must include: 1. A cover note which must include: -The CITES Unit that you are applying for. -Title of the degree you are currently pursuing and graduation date -IT skills and programmes you are proficient in -Explain your interest and why you are the best candidate for this specific internship,ensure to include all past work experience (if any). 2.A Completed application (Personal History Profile) through the UN careers Portal. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. 3.Proof of enrolment from current University (if not graduated). 4.A copy of degree certificate (if you have already graduated). Due to a high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted.

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.