Intern

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 in 1972, UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and operates in over 100 countries. The Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol (MLF) was established in 1991 as the financial mechanism of the Montreal Protocol to assist developing countries in complying with their obligations under the Protocol. The MLF is managed by an Executive Committee with equal representation from seven industrialized and seven Article 5 countries, elected annually by the Meeting of the Parties. The Fund Secretariat, located in Montreal, Canada, is administered by UNEP and plays a crucial role in supporting projects aimed at reversing the deterioration of the Earth's stratospheric ozone layer and reducing the consumption of high global warming hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

Job Overview:
This internship is located within the UNEP/MLF at the Montreal duty station. Interns are expected to work five days a week, totaling 35-40 hours under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned. The role requires a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. Interns should possess the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, showing a willingness to understand and tolerate differing opinions and views. It is important to note that interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and they are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. The internship is offered with a start date of October 2025 and April 2026, for a minimum duration of three months.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the general supervision of the Chief of Administration and the direct supervision of the Information Management Officer, the intern will assist the Multilateral Fund Secretariat with various duties, including: providing support in the coordination of translation activities related to the Fund Secretariat's work; assisting in providing translators with necessary references, terminology, and documentation for accurate editing and translation of documents, publications, and agreements; reviewing documents submitted for translation to determine if any part of the text has been taken from previously translated sources and identifying these sources; supporting the posting of documents on the Secretariat’s website; identifying and retrieving documents from the Multilateral Fund network and databases, as well as searching for information from the Internet and other sources as required; supplying language versions of acronyms, quotations, and background documentation useful for terminology and phraseology; organizing research materials in a reference folder for easy access by editors and translators; responding to translators’ queries regarding documents not submitted for referencing; performing informal editing functions and bringing errors in text to the attention of the submitting officer; providing support in organizing and holding meetings of the Executive Committee and other events of the Multilateral Fund Secretariat, including document preparation; and assisting with any other tasks as required.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements at the time of application: be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); be enrolled 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. The preferred area of study includes languages, translation studies, information, communications, or related fields. While professional work experience is not required for applicants to the UN Internship Programme, a field of study closely related to the internship type is necessary. Applicants must provide proof of their field of study and indicate which of the criteria they meet.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in a Master’s or Ph.D. Programme, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. Programme. Proof of enrollment or graduation must be provided at the time of application, and an official certificate will be required at a later stage.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, applicants should have a field of study that closely relates to the type of internship they are applying for. This means that relevant academic experience or coursework in languages, translation studies, or related fields is essential to ensure that candidates can effectively contribute to the tasks assigned during the internship.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as Chinese or Russian, is desirable. The official languages of the United Nations Secretariat include Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish, and proficiency in these languages can enhance the intern's ability to perform effectively in the role.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and all costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. 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/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, processing, or training. Additionally, the UN does not concern itself with information regarding applicants’ bank accounts.