Intern - Environmental Governance and Law

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the world's leading environmental authority, established to set the global environmental agenda, advance the environmental dimension of sustainable development, and advocate for the protection of the global environment. UNEP operates in multiple countries across the globe, focusing on various environmental issues and working towards sustainable solutions. The organization is dedicated to fostering partnerships and collaboration among governments, civil society, and the private sector to promote environmental sustainability and resilience.

Job Overview:
This internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is based in UNEP's Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) located in Bangkok, Thailand. The intern will work under the overall supervision of the Regional Director and direct supervision of the Regional Coordinator for Environmental Governance and Law Subprogramme. The role is designed to provide support in the implementation of the Programme of Work under the environmental governance subprogramme, which includes a variety of tasks aimed at enhancing environmental governance in the Asia-Pacific region. The intern will engage in activities that support regional intergovernmental forums and programmes, assist in providing technical assistance to countries regarding environmental law, and conduct background research on relevant issues. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of environmental governance and law, while contributing to UNEP's mission of promoting sustainable development and environmental protection.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including:

• Supporting the implementation of and reporting on the Programme of Work under the environmental governance subprogramme.
• Assisting the Asia Pacific regional office in undertaking activities related to environmental governance, including support for regional intergovernmental forums and programmes.
• Providing technical assistance to countries in the field of environmental law.
• Conducting background research on environmental law and rights issues in the Asia-Pacific region, including case studies and best practices.
• Drafting reports and other documents related to environmental law and rights activities.
• Supporting the implementation of the UNEP Asia Pacific Staff Capacity Building Plan for Gender Equality and Human Rights phase II (2024-2027).
• Coordinating meetings, workshops, and conferences with stakeholders.
• Preparing communication materials, such as quarterly newsletters, social media posts, and presentations to raise awareness about environmental law and governance.
• Participating in relevant UN networks in the fields of environmental rights, law, and governance. 1
• Assisting in monitoring and evaluating the progress of environmental law and rights initiatives, including data collection, analysis, and annual progress reporting.

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). It is essential that applicants are currently enrolled in or have recently graduated (within 1 year) from a Master's or Ph.D. programme with a focus on Environmental Governance and Law or a related area. While prior experience in Environmental Governance and Law would be advantageous, it is not a strict requirement. Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience, but a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Proof of meeting these criteria must be attached to the application, and an official certificate will be required at a later stage.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess a relevant educational background, which 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. The focus of the educational background should be on Environmental Governance and Law or a closely related field, ensuring that the intern has the necessary theoretical knowledge to contribute effectively to the tasks at hand.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not a requirement for this internship, having prior experience in Environmental Governance and Law is considered an advantage. The internship is primarily aimed at students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in the field, thus the emphasis is on relevant academic qualifications rather than extensive work history.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Additionally, knowledge of French is beneficial, as it is also a working language of the UN. Proficiency in these languages will enable effective communication and collaboration within the organization and with external stakeholders.

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 Thailand may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization before starting the internship. It is crucial for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, processing, or training. The organization also does not request information regarding applicants’ bank accounts.