Internship at the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity

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 following the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment. The organization operates in over 100 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to environmental issues. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices and to assist developing countries in implementing environmentally sound policies and practices.

Job Overview:
This internship is located at the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) in Montreal, Canada, and is designed to provide practical experience in the field of environmental governance and administration. The intern will work under the overall supervision of the Head of the General Administration and will be involved in various administrative, programmatic, procurement, finance, and internal coordination functions. The internship is expected to start in early May 2026 and will last for a duration of three to six months. It is important to note that this internship is unpaid, and interns are expected to work five days a week, totaling 35-40 hours. The intern will gain valuable insights into the workings of the United Nations and the specific functions of the SCBD, contributing to the organization's mission of promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of biological resources.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the operations of the SCBD. These include assisting in the review, organization, and maintenance of internal documentation and records, both digital and physical. The intern will also support the optimization and clean-up of the SCBD intranet, ensuring that content is up-to-date and accessible. Additionally, the intern will maintain organized Excel-based tracking tools for program-related follow-up activities. In terms of museum support, the intern will enhance the Museum of Nature and Culture inventory by reviewing and verifying existing items in collaboration with SCBD staff. The intern will also assess the current museum layout and develop a plan for improving exhibition displays. Data management tasks will involve optimizing Excel workflows and contributing to improved reporting processes. The intern will assist with HR-related administrative tasks, including document organization and recruitment support. Furthermore, the intern will help the finance unit with various operational tasks, conduct market research for procurement, and correspond with vendors and stakeholders. Other duties may be assigned as needed to support SCBD operations and program delivery.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent); or have graduated with a university degree. Candidates 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. Additionally, applicants should have the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, showing tolerance and understanding of differing opinions.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor's or equivalent), or enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. program, or have completed a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. program. It is essential that the field of study is closely related to the internship position, and applicants should be prepared to explain how their academic background is relevant to the internship.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not required for this internship, applicants should have a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship they are applying for. This allows interns to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting and gain valuable experience in the field of environmental governance and administration.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this internship, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of additional languages such as Arabic, Mandarin, French, and Spanish is desirable, as it can enhance communication and collaboration within the diverse environment of the United Nations. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding), while knowledge is defined as 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, 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 crucial 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, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.