Intern - Climate and Energy

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations’ lead agency on international development, established to support countries and communities in their efforts to eradicate poverty, implement the Paris Agreement on climate change, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP operates in numerous countries worldwide, advocating for transformative change and connecting nations to the resources necessary for improving lives. The organization emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all personnel can contribute to its mission while promoting representation of underserved populations. UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination, and all selected candidates undergo rigorous background checks.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at the UNDP Rome Centre for Climate Action and Energy Transition is designed to provide daily support in managing the climate and energy portfolio. The intern will work under the guidance of team leaders and will be involved in various aspects of project coordination, research, and administrative tasks. This role is crucial for assisting the Rome Centre in its mission to implement sustainable development objectives, particularly in the areas of youth engagement in climate action, energy for development, and climate finance. The intern will gain hands-on experience in the field of international development, particularly related to climate change and energy solutions, while contributing to impactful projects that aim to mobilize finance for climate initiatives and promote sustainable energy access in developing countries.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Research and Analysis: Conduct research on climate and energy topics, focusing on sustainable energy solutions, renewable energy systems, and climate change mitigation strategies. Compile and analyze data for reports and presentations.
• Project Coordination Support: Assist in coordinating ongoing projects within the Climate and Energy portfolios, track project progress and deadlines, and support logistics for meetings and events.
• Administrative Assistance: Prepare documents, meeting minutes, and correspondence for the Climate and Energy teams, and maintain organized digital and physical records of the portfolio's activities.
• Communication and Outreach: Draft communications materials such as social media posts, newsletters, and briefing notes, and support outreach efforts to partners and stakeholders.
• Event Support: Help organize workshops, webinars, and events related to climate and energy, assisting with logistical and technical arrangements during these events.
• Ad hoc: Perform any other related duties as required to support the effective functioning of the relevant team and the Rome Centre as a whole.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) in fields such as Public Policy, Political Science, Environmental Science, Energy Studies, Climate Policy, International Relations, Economics, Engineering, Marketing, Communication, or a related field.
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent) in the aforementioned fields.
• Have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and must start the internship within one year of graduation. Additionally, candidates should possess strong research and analytical abilities, proficiency in MS Office, and familiarity with project management tools. An interest in sustainable development and climate change issues is essential, along with excellent writing and communication skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in a graduate program or final year of an undergraduate program in relevant fields such as Public Policy, Political Science, Environmental Science, Energy Studies, Climate Policy, International Relations, Economics, Engineering, Marketing, or Communication. Preference is given to candidates pursuing a master's level education. Graduates must start the internship within one year of graduation if selected.

Experience:
Candidates should have strong research and analytical skills, proficiency in MS Office, and familiarity with project management tools. Experience or knowledge at the intersection of youth and climate issues is considered an asset. The ability to work independently, meet tight deadlines, and demonstrate strong organizational skills is essential. Familiarity with the UN system or other international organizations is also beneficial, along with a commitment to UNDP's mission and values.

Languages:
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language or Italian is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse environment.

Additional Notes:
The internship will report to thematic team leaders and operations leads, working closely with technical experts. Interns may receive a stipend to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation. The stipend will be paid monthly, and part-time arrangements will be prorated accordingly. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. They must secure adequate medical insurance for the duration of the internship, and proof of valid medical insurance is required. Interns will accrue leave at the rate of 1.5 days per month, and any unused leave will be forfeited at the end of the internship. There is no expectation of employment with UNDP following the internship, and interns cannot apply for or be appointed to any position during their internship period.