Internship at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of sustainable development, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Established in 1972, UNEP has been at the forefront of environmental governance and policy-making, working with various stakeholders across the globe. The organization operates in over 100 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to addressing pressing environmental issues. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices and to inspire and enable nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

Job Overview:
This internship is located in the UN Environment Europe Office, specifically working with the Secretariat of the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea, also known as the Tehran Convention. The intern will be under the direct supervision of the UNEP Regional Coordinator and will collaborate closely with the Tehran Convention Officer. The role involves supporting various projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing environmental protection and sustainable development in the Caspian Sea region. The intern will engage in resource mobilization activities, assist in drafting communications and project documents, and contribute to research and analysis of environmental trends. This position is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">environmental law, international relations, and sustainable development, providing hands-on experience in a global organization.

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

• Assisting in resource mobilization activities to support the implementation of the Tehran Convention and its Protocols.
• Conducting desk studies on priority actions for the Convention's implementation.
• Drafting written outputs such as concept papers and notes for the TC Secretariat.
• Communicating with Caspian Governments, project partners, and stakeholders regarding resource mobilization activities.
• Supporting the implementation of joint projects addressing marine litter and climate resilience in Azerbaijan.
• Conducting background research on political and environmental trends in the Caspian Sea Region.
• Maintaining the Tehran Convention website and creating content for it.
• Organizing online meetings for the Contracting Parties and drafting supporting documentation.
• Managing the workflow for abstracts and papers for the scientific conference, including tracking key dates and submissions. 1
• Providing organizational and editorial support to the conference committees. 1
• Conducting quality checks on submissions and assisting with language and technical editing. 1
• Supporting logistical and content needs for conference sessions and contributing to outreach materials.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements at the time of application: a. Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); b. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent); c. Have graduated with a university degree. The preferred areas of study for this internship include Environmental Law, International Law, Political Science, and International Relations. Strong research and analytical skills, effective communication abilities, and proficiency in standard software applications are essential for success in this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a background in fields relevant to the internship, such as Environmental Law, International Law, Political Science, or International Relations. This educational foundation will provide the necessary knowledge and skills to engage with the various aspects of environmental governance and policy-making that the internship entails.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandated, candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in environmental issues and international relations. Experience in research, project support, or any relevant internships will be advantageous. The internship is designed for individuals who are either currently pursuing their studies or have recently graduated, allowing them to gain practical experience in a professional setting.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also necessary, as it is another working language. Additionally, knowledge of Russian is considered an advantage, given the regional focus of the Tehran Convention and the Caspian Sea.

Additional Notes:
This internship is expected to last for a duration of 6 months. It is important to note that interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and all costs related to 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 Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is crucial for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.