Intern - UNEP Law Division

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, focusing on various environmental issues and policies. The organization operates in over 100 countries and employs thousands of individuals dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
This internship is located in the UNEP Environmental Rule of Law Branch within the UNEP Law Division, which is responsible for carrying out UNEP's functions in the field of environmental law and governance. The intern will work under the direct supervision of the Principal Legal Officer and will be part of a team of experienced legal professionals. The role involves assisting in the preparation of legal documents, conducting research on substantive and procedural law, and supporting the organization of training events and workshops. The intern is expected to contribute to the progressive development of international environmental law and governance while gaining valuable experience in a professional setting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will have a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Assisting in the Law Division’s roles and functions as part of the secretariat to UNEP’s governing bodies.
• Preparing documents, background notes, and legal opinions related to procedural questions.
• Conducting in-depth research on substantive and procedural law, preparing written summaries, and making oral presentations of research findings.
• Supporting the organization of training events and meetings, including preparing agendas, liaising with participants, and assisting with virtual setups.
• Finalizing key publications on UNEP's legal framework and communication materials, including research, drafting, and editing.
• Assisting with other tasks as assigned by the Principal Legal Officer and other legal officers.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must be currently enrolled or recently graduated from a law program, focusing on public international law, international organizations law, or related areas. While professional work experience is not required for the UN Internship Programme, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Applicants should have a university degree in law (Bachelor’s, Master of Law, or PhD) and must provide proof of their qualifications with the application.

Educational Background:
A university degree in law is required, with a focus on public international law or related fields. This includes Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degrees in law. Applicants must be able to provide official certification of their educational background at a later stage of the application process.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship, but applicants should have relevant academic experience in law, particularly in areas related to international law and governance. This internship is designed for students or recent graduates looking to gain practical experience in the field of environmental law.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is desirable but not mandatory. Proficiency in standard software applications, especially MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, is also expected.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and they 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. Additionally, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.