Internship at the Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention

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 has the mandate to keep the state of the global and regional environment under review. Established in 1972, UNEP operates in over 100 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental sustainability and protection. The organization plays a crucial role in informing decision-making on environmental issues and foreseeing emerging environmental problems and threats, particularly those of a transboundary nature.

Job Overview:
This internship is based at the Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention, which is coordinated by UNEP's Vienna Programme Office. The intern will work under the direct supervision of the Associate Programme Officer and the Carpathian Convention Coordination Expert. The position involves assisting with the drafting and implementation of cooperation activities between the Carpathian Convention Secretariat and its partners and networks. The intern will engage in various tasks related to the engagement of vulnerable groups, addressing environmental poverty, and supporting the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP2026). Additionally, the intern will assist in finalizing the Science for the Carpathians Research Agenda 2030 and producing informational materials about the Carpathian Convention. This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders and participation in meetings and events related to the Carpathian Convention and UNEP.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of duties including: assisting with the drafting and implementation of cooperation activities between the Carpathian Convention Secretariat and its partners; finalizing the Science for the Carpathians Research Agenda 2030; producing information materials about the Carpathian Convention; liaising with partners for translations; assisting with presentations and organizational aspects at meetings; providing inputs on Convention activities related to energy poverty; supporting project and research preparation focused on vulnerable groups; facilitating networks with municipalities and local actors; organizing and disseminating activities related to Carpathian Pastoralism and Carpathian Day; and supporting the Carpathian Convention Secretariat with various tasks as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (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 degree or equivalent). Preferred areas of study include European policy and Law, Multilevel governance, Energy transition, and Sustainable regional development. Applicants should have good knowledge of standard software applications, especially MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. The ability to draft news articles and/or social media posts is desirable, as is the ability to design surveys and polls.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being a student in the final year of a first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or being enrolled in or having completed a Master’s or Ph.D. Programme. A field of study closely related to the internship type is required, and applicants must provide proof of their academic status.

Experience:
Applicants to the UN Internship Programme do not require professional work experience. However, relevant academic experience or coursework related to the internship focus is beneficial. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in the field of environmental governance and policy.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage. The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, and knowledge of Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish is also beneficial.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment 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 a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.