Internship in Digital Transformation

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. Established to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus, UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The organization is dedicated to keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP operates in multiple countries around the world, working with various stakeholders including governments, businesses, finance, and civil society to address pressing environmental challenges.

Job Overview:
The internship is designed to provide hands-on experience in the field of digital transformation within the context of environmental policy. Interns will work closely with the Office of the Chief Digital Officer (CDO) at UNEP, which plays a pivotal role in the organization's digital strategy and technology policy work. The internship will involve engaging with emerging digital technologies and their implications for environmental sustainability. Interns will be expected to conduct research, analyze data, and contribute to policy development related to digital governance and sustainability. The position is full-time and may be conducted remotely or in-person, depending on the circumstances of the successful candidates. Interns will be supervised by a staff member and are expected to work five days a week, dedicating 35-40 hours to the internship.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a variety of responsibilities that may include conducting research on emerging digital technologies and their environmental impacts, particularly focusing on artificial intelligence, digital governance, and sustainability. They will provide analysis on the intersection of technology and environmental policy, identifying key challenges and opportunities for sustainable digitalization. Interns will assist in researching potential partners and organizations involved in digital sustainability and AI governance, supporting UNEP's engagement efforts. Additionally, they will help develop policy briefs, concept notes, and research papers that address the digital transformation of environmental practices. The specific duties may vary based on the intern's background and the needs of the office.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria at the time of application: be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent), or have graduated with a university degree and must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation. While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Applicants should also possess good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be enrolled in or have completed a degree program in fields such as public policy, environmental studies, technology policy, political science, international relations, innovations, computer science, or a related area. This educational background is essential to ensure that interns can effectively contribute to the work of UNEP and understand the complexities of digital transformation in environmental contexts.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. This could include research projects, internships, or volunteer work related to environmental policy, digital technologies, or sustainability.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this internship, as it is one of the official working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is another official language of the UN. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and designed to be full-time, with a minimum duration of three months and the possibility of extension up to six months. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Those 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 to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.