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 in 197

• It operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices. UNEP plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to environmental challenges and fostering international cooperation on environmental issues.

Job Overview:
This internship is located at the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) in Montreal, which is administered by UNEP. The intern will work under the supervision of the Senior Programme Management Unit of the Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) Unit and the DSI Programme Management Officer. The internship is designed to provide publication design support for the Practical Guide on Capacity-Building and Development. The intern will be involved in developing creative concepts and layout designs for the Practical Guide, ensuring that the designs align with SCBD’s branding and style guide. The position requires collaboration with other interns and various units within the organization, emphasizing teamwork and communication skills. The internship is unpaid and has a duration of three months, starting in early April 2026.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for several key tasks, including:

• Developing a creative concept and layout designs for the Practical Guide, which includes tables, figures, and charts.
• Creating infographics to visually represent theoretical concepts and principles.
• Incorporating provided text and photographs into the designs.
• Ensuring that all designs are consistent with the SCBD’s branding and style guide.
• Preparing final files in both print-ready and digital formats, such as PDF and ePub.
• Assisting with additional tasks related to the Practical Guide as required. The intern will work five days a week, totaling 35 hours, under the supervision of a staff member in the department.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) Be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) Be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent); or (c) Have graduated with a university degree. Candidates must 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:
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. program. Applicants must provide proof of their educational status at the time of application, and an official certificate may be required at a later stage. A field of study closely related to the internship is necessary, and candidates should articulate how their studies relate to the position.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not required for this internship, applicants must demonstrate a strong understanding of design principles and the ability to develop layout designs for multi-page publications, such as reports, guides, or manuals. Experience with industry-standard design software, including Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, is essential. Candidates should also have experience preparing files for print and digital distribution, ensuring attention to detail and quality control in their work.

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 French and Spanish is considered desirable, with fluency defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding) for English, and 'confident' in two of the four areas for French and Spanish.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and all costs related to 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 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.