Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) is an intergovernmental treaty established under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Its mission is to conserve wildlife and their habitats on a global scale. The CMS operates through various agreements, including the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation and Management of Dugongs (Dugong dugon) and their Habitats throughout their Range (Dugong MOU). The CMS Secretariat is located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and is dedicated to promoting the conservation of migratory species and their habitats. The organization works collaboratively with various stakeholders and partners across multiple countries to implement conservation strategies and raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed to be a full-time, in-person position located at the CMS Office in Abu Dhabi, specifically under the Dugong MOU and 2030 Seagrass Breakthrough programmes. The successful candidate will report to the Programme Management Officer for the IKI Seagrass Ecosystem Services Project. The intern will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the Dugong Conservation and Management Plan, as well as broader initiatives aimed at conserving seagrass ecosystems. The internship is expected to last for a duration of six months, during which the intern will gain valuable experience in wildlife conservation, project management, and stakeholder engagement within an international context.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks aimed at supporting the activities of the Dugong MOU and related conservation efforts. Specific duties include: - Coordinating, drafting, and publishing news stories, social media content, and newsletters to raise awareness of dugong and seagrass conservation efforts. - Supporting the planning and delivery of events, workshops, and virtual meetings, including the Fourth Meeting of Signatories (MOS4) and activities related to the 2030 Seagrass Breakthrough. - Assisting in the development of communication materials, policy briefs, and lessons-learned reports to promote sustainable management of seagrass ecosystems. - Maintaining databases, taking meeting notes, preparing internal and external reports, and performing ad-hoc research or administrative tasks as required. - Supporting engagement with partners, stakeholders, and the wider CMS community, including tracking communications, preparing outreach materials, and helping coordinate collaborative activities.

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 academic backgrounds in biology, ecology, zoology, environmental science, geography, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, international relations, or data analytics. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate a keen interest in wildlife conservation, the work of the United Nations, and possess a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. They should also have the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a relevant educational background that aligns with the requirements of the internship. This includes being enrolled in or having completed a degree in fields such as biology, ecology, zoology, environmental science, geography, international law, international relations, or data analytics. The internship is open to those who are currently pursuing a graduate degree, are in their final year of undergraduate studies, or have already graduated with a university degree.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not explicitly required, candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in wildlife conservation and the workings of the United Nations. Experience in related fields, such as environmental science, project management, or communications, would be beneficial but is not mandatory. The internship is designed to provide practical experience and training for individuals looking to build a career in conservation and international relations.

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 is considered an advantage. The official languages of the United Nations include Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. Therefore, while English is mandatory, proficiency in Arabic and French is desirable.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, meaning that they will not receive a salary or stipend during their internship. 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 United Arab Emirates may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. Additionally, it is emphasized that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training.