Programme Support - Technical and Scientific Cooperation Internship

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 was established in 197

• It operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices. UNEP's work encompasses a wide range of environmental issues, including climate change, biodiversity, and pollution, and it collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Programme Support - Technical and Scientific Cooperation internship is located at the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) in Montreal, Canada. This internship is designed to provide support under the overall supervision of the Programme Management Officer for Technical and Scientific Cooperation within the Capacity-Building and Knowledge Management Unit of the Implementation Support Division. The intern will play a crucial role in contributing to the Bio-Bridge Initiative (BBI), which aims to catalyze and facilitate technical and scientific cooperation in biodiversity-related issues. The intern will assist in analyzing results, developing communication materials, and organizing meetings and events related to the BBI. This internship is unpaid and has a duration of three to six months, with a start date of January 202

• Interns are expected to work five days a week, totaling 35-40 hours, and are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and living expenses.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer. These include:

• Analyzing results achieved and other information related to the Bio-Bridge Initiative (BBI) and related capacity development activities.
• Assisting in the development of communication materials and content for the Bio-Bridge Initiative.
• Supporting the organization and preparation of meetings and events, including the Technology and Innovation Expo at the seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
• Assisting with other duties as requested by the Programme Management Officer. The intern will gain valuable experience in international environmental policy and biodiversity management while contributing to significant projects aimed at promoting sustainable development.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) Be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) Be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent); or (c) Have graduated with a university degree. Additionally, applicants should be computer literate in standard software applications and demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, along with a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. Candidates should also have the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be students currently undertaking or having completed studies in fields related to communications, international sustainable development, international environmental policy, biodiversity-related or environmental sciences. It is preferable for candidates to possess skills in using AI for analyzing or synthesizing large reports and datasets. Familiarity with the issues and processes under the Convention and the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is also desirable. Applicants must provide proof of their educational status, such as an official certificate, at a later stage of the application process.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not required for this internship, candidates must have a field of study that closely relates to the internship they are applying for. This could include relevant coursework, research, or projects that demonstrate a commitment to the field of biodiversity and environmental sciences. The internship is particularly suited for students in their final year of undergraduate studies, or those pursuing or having completed a Master’s or Ph.D. programme.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this internship. Knowledge of French or Spanish is considered desirable. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding), while knowledge is defined as a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas. This linguistic proficiency is essential for effective communication within the United Nations Secretariat, which operates in both English and French.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Canada 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. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training.