Intern for Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization that aims to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people to address the challenges of development. The organization focuses on various areas, including democratic governance, peacebuilding, climate change, and sustainable development. UNDP is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all personnel are empowered to contribute to its mission, and fostering an environment where marginalized populations are represented and included.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at UNDP Armenia is designed for motivated and enthusiastic individuals who are interested in contributing to research, analysis, organizational coordination, communications, and program support functions across the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) and Biodiversity Budget Tagging (BBT) portfolios. The intern will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of these initiatives, particularly in the context of the upcoming 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17). This role involves engaging with various stakeholders, conducting research on biodiversity finance, and assisting in the preparation of strategic documents and events related to biodiversity policy and sustainable development. The intern will report to the UNDP BIOFIN Project Coordinator and will be involved in a range of activities that contribute to the overall goals of UNDP in Armenia.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Research and analytical support: Conducting background analysis on biodiversity finance, public finance, and sustainable development; preparing briefing notes, concept notes, presentations, and other materials; researching international good practices and innovative financing mechanisms.
• Coordination and stakeholder engagement: Supporting the preparation of meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagement activities; assisting with background materials and meeting notes; tracking action points and timelines related to biodiversity finance engagement processes; providing logistical support for events and consultations.
• Communications and visibility support: Drafting communication content, event summaries, and visibility materials; supporting internal and external communication efforts related to project milestones and stakeholder engagement; contributing to the development of communication products for knowledge sharing and awareness raising.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: a) Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree program in fields such as Environmental Studies, Biodiversity Conservation, Ecology, Economics, Public Policy, Public Administration, Sustainable Finance, International Development, International Relations, Communications, Political Science, or related disciplines; b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program in the above disciplines; c) Have recently graduated with a university degree in the specified fields and must start the internship within one year of graduation; d) Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in biodiversity, sustainable development, and public finance.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in a postgraduate degree program or final year of a bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as Environmental Studies, Biodiversity Conservation, Ecology, Economics, Public Policy, Public Administration, Sustainable Finance, International Development, International Relations, Communications, Political Science, or other related disciplines. Recent graduates in these areas are also eligible to apply, provided they start the internship within one year of graduation.

Experience:
Candidates should have volunteer, academic, or internship experience in research, policy analysis, environmental sustainability, biodiversity, event organization, or international development-related activities. Familiarity with biodiversity, sustainable development, public finance, environmental governance, and climate policy is advantageous. Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including government institutions, development partners, civil society, and the private sector, is also beneficial. Knowledge of the UN system or other international development organizations is considered an asset.

Languages:
Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English are required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an advantage, particularly if they are relevant to the stakeholders and communities involved in biodiversity finance initiatives.

Additional Notes:
The internship may be conducted in-person or remotely, with stipends provided to cover basic daily expenses. Interns will accrue combined sick and annual leave at the rate of 1.5 days per month, which will be prorated for part-time internships. Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship and must provide proof of good health prior to starting. Selected candidates will need to submit various documents, including a resume, proof of enrollment, and medical insurance documentation. Interns are not eligible for employment with UNDP during the internship period, and there is no expectation of employment at the end of the internship.