Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) is a global intergovernmental treaty established to promote the conservation and sustainable use of migratory species and their habitats. The CMS Secretariat, which operates under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), supports various intergovernmental instruments aimed at migratory species conservation. The CMS Secretariat also provides administrative functions for several agreements, including the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) and the Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish and North Seas (ASCOBANS). The CMS Office in Abu Dhabi coordinates the implementation of specific CMS instruments and supports broader international initiatives, such as the 2030 Seagrass Breakthrough, which focuses on conserving and restoring vital seagrass ecosystems. The organization is dedicated to addressing environmental issues on a global scale and fostering international cooperation in wildlife conservation.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at the CMS Office in Abu Dhabi offers a unique opportunity for individuals interested in international environmental cooperation, communication, and partnership development. The selected intern will play a crucial role in supporting the CMS Office's outreach, partnership engagement, and resource mobilization efforts, particularly under the Dugong and Raptors Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and related global initiatives. The intern will work closely with the executive coordinator and Programme Management Officers, gaining hands-on experience in various aspects of environmental conservation and communication. This role is designed for individuals who are passionate about wildlife conservation and eager to contribute to the mission of the CMS and UNEP.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of tasks that include: A. Communication: Supporting the preparation of communication materials such as news stories, website updates, newsletters, and social media posts to highlight the Office's activities. Assisting in the design and dissemination of outreach and visibility materials for the Dugong MOU, Raptors MOU, and the 2030 Seagrass Breakthrough. Helping to organize communication events and campaigns aimed at raising awareness of CMS Abu Dhabi's work and achievements. Contributing to the maintenance and updating of the CMS Abu Dhabi website and SharePoint content. B. Partnerships: Mapping and maintaining a database of partners and stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, research institutions, and private sector entities. Drafting briefs, background notes, and summaries on existing and potential partnerships. Preparing materials and presentations for meetings with partners and donors. Documenting and following up on partnership meetings, including taking minutes and archiving records. C. Resource Mobilization: Researching potential donors and funding opportunities relevant to the Office's work. Assisting in the preparation of funding overviews, donor profiles, and progress summaries. Tracking and organizing information on funding pipelines, agreements, and contributions. Organizing donor-related events, briefings, and outreach activities. D. Other Ad Hoc Tasks as requested by the Supervisor.

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 programme (Minimum Bachelor´s level or equivalent), or c) Have graduated with a university degree. Preference will be given to candidates with backgrounds in communication, journalism, public relations, marketing, business administration, development studies, international relations, environmental policy, sustainable development, or related fields. Environmental backgrounds such as biology, ecology, or environmental science are also welcome as complementary assets, particularly for those interested in wildlife conservation. Applicants must demonstrate a keen interest in communication, partnership development, and resource mobilization in an international context, as well as a commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a relevant academic background, preferably in fields such as communication, journalism, public relations, marketing, business administration, development studies, international relations, environmental policy, sustainable development, or related areas. Environmental science or biology backgrounds are also beneficial, especially for those focused on wildlife conservation. It is essential for applicants to specify their areas of academic study when applying.

Experience:
The internship is designed for individuals who are either currently enrolled in a graduate program or have recently graduated. While specific prior experience is not mandatory, a demonstrated interest in international environmental cooperation and migratory species conservation is crucial. Candidates should possess the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, showcasing a willingness to understand and tolerate differing opinions and views.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as Arabic or French, is considered an advantage. The official languages of the United Nations Secretariat include Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish, with English and French being the primary working languages.

Additional Notes:
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 the country where the internship is undertaken may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work 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, or training.