Internship at CITES Legal and Enforcement Unit

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 and is involved in various initiatives to address pressing environmental issues. Established in 1972, UNEP operates in over 100 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development. The organization works closely with governments, civil society, and the private sector to foster partnerships and implement effective environmental policies.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at the CITES Legal and Enforcement Unit is designed for individuals interested in gaining practical experience in legal, compliance, and enforcement matters related to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The intern will work under the direct supervision of Programme Officers and will be involved in various tasks that support the implementation of CITES decisions and resolutions. This role provides an opportunity to engage with international wildlife trade issues, conduct research, and contribute to the preparation of documents for meetings and workshops. The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 35-40 hours per week, with a flexible duration of three to six months based on the intern's availability and academic requirements.

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

• Legal Unit: - Conducting research and analyses related to specific CoP Decisions and Resolutions. - Preparing substantive meeting documents and background research. - Compiling and analyzing information submitted by Parties regarding their implementation of the Convention. - Assisting with various tasks assigned by the supervisor.
• Enforcement Unit: - Conducting background research and preparing documentation on enforcement matters for CITES governing bodies. - Analyzing information submitted by Parties related to enforcement implementation. - Supporting activities to implement CITES decisions on enforcement. - Preparing materials for the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC) and assisting with related activities. - Communicating with Parties and partner organizations such as INTERPOL and the World Bank. - Updating CITES and ICCWC websites and other related portals. - Planning and organizing meetings, workshops, and side events. - Preparing presentations and materials for workshops and meetings. - Participating in meetings to represent the CITES Enforcement Support Team. - Taking minutes and preparing documents as required. - Assisting with other tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate a strong interest and motivation to work on legal, compliance, and enforcement matters related to CITES. Experience in compliance or enforcement, such as in judiciary, customs, or wildlife authority, is beneficial. Excellent writing skills are desirable, and knowledge of CITES or similar organizations is required. Fluency in English is mandatory, while fluency in French or Spanish is considered an asset. Applicants should meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in the final year of a bachelor's degree, be enrolled in a graduate program, or have graduated with a university degree. Academic qualifications in fields such as law (public, international, criminal, environmental), social sciences, law enforcement, or criminal justice are preferred.

Educational Background:
Applicants must be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level) or be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent or higher). Alternatively, applicants may have graduated with a university degree. Relevant fields of study include law (public, international, criminal, environmental), social sciences, law enforcement, policing, criminal justice, and homeland security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. Excellent writing skills are also desirable, and applicants must provide proof of their academic status at the time of application.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not required for this internship, candidates should have a field of study closely related to the internship type they are applying for. This could include coursework or projects that demonstrate knowledge and skills relevant to legal, compliance, and enforcement matters related to CITES.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French or Spanish is desirable, as it can enhance communication and collaboration within the organization. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding), while 'knowledge of' indicates a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
The 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 Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. Specific terms of reference will be shared with successful candidates, and due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 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.