Intern - Sustainable Public Procurement

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment, focusing on resource efficiency and sustainable consumption and production (SCP). The organization aims to deliver scientific, credible, and innovative solutions to integrate sustainability into government policy frameworks, business decision-making, and everyday life. UNEP operates globally, engaging with various stakeholders to promote environmental sustainability and has numerous initiatives aimed at addressing pressing environmental challenges.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is within the Resources and Markets Branch of UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division, specifically focusing on the Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) Programme. The intern will support strategic outreach, communications, and coordination efforts to enhance the visibility and impact of SPP as a key driver for Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP). The role involves working on initiatives that target high-impact sectors such as buildings and construction, food systems, and information and communication technology (ICT). The intern will be expected to engage in various tasks that contribute to the overall mission of promoting sustainable procurement practices and policies, thereby facilitating a shift towards sustainability in these critical sectors. This internship is a full-time, unpaid commitment requiring 35 hours of work per week over a duration of six months.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Communications and Outreach: The intern will assist in implementing outreach campaigns related to the Global Framework for Action on SPP and other sectoral initiatives. Responsibilities include developing a comprehensive communications plan, managing a content calendar, and curating case studies and best practices that highlight SPP’s role in SCP. The intern will also design a social media toolkit and support awareness-raising efforts related to SDG indicator 12.7.
• Event Coordination and Support: The intern will provide technical and logistical assistance during webinars, workshops, and conferences, leading dissemination efforts before and after these events.
• Content Development: The intern will draft and edit various communication products, including news articles, blog posts, newsletters, and general awareness-raising materials.
• Coordination and Collaboration: The intern will support cross-unit collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the broader SCP and procurement networks and assist with other tasks related to the implementation of the SPP team’s projects as directed by supervising staff.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s or Ph.D. programme, or have recently completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. programme within the last year. It is essential to indicate the relevant degree or programme and attach supporting documents to the application. Excellent writing and communication skills in English are required, and knowledge of Spanish is desirable. Familiarity with any other UN language (French, Chinese, Russian, Arabic) would be an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be enrolled in or have recently completed a degree program in a relevant field such as environmental science, public policy, international relations, or a related discipline. The educational background should align with the responsibilities of the internship, particularly in areas related to sustainable development, procurement practices, and environmental policy.

Experience:
The position is designed for students or recent graduates, so prior professional experience is not mandatory. However, any relevant internships, volunteer work, or academic projects related to sustainability, environmental policy, or communications will be considered advantageous. The intern should demonstrate a strong interest in sustainable development and public procurement practices.

Languages:
Excellent writing and communication skills in English are mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Spanish is considered desirable, while proficiency in any other UN language such as French, Chinese, Russian, or Arabic would be an asset, enhancing the intern's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the organization's global initiatives.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.