Intern

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. Established in 1972, UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment, working with international and national partners to provide technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy. UNEP's Ecosystems Division focuses on strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The Abidjan Convention, established in 1981, provides a regional cooperation framework for the protection, management, and development of the marine and coastal environment of the south-eastern Atlantic region, covering a coastline of over 14,000 km from Mauritania to South Africa. The Convention area is home to ecologically significant ecosystems that are vital for fisheries, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of millions of coastal residents, but these ecosystems face increasing threats from climate change and human activities. UNEP's role includes hosting and administering the Secretariat of the Abidjan Convention, which aims to strengthen coastal resilience and regional capacity to respond to environmental pressures.

Job Overview:
The internship is located within the Abidjan Convention Secretariat, which supports regional environmental cooperation and the implementation of programs related to marine and coastal ecosystems, pollution prevention, and sustainable blue economy initiatives. The intern will work under the supervision of the Head of the Secretariat and will be responsible for providing day-to-day administrative and office support. This includes handling incoming calls and visitors, processing administrative documents, maintaining files and records, organizing meetings and events, and providing logistical support for staff meetings and retreats. The intern will also be involved in monitoring deadlines and workflows, performing data entry, and compiling information for reports and presentations. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in a global organization while contributing to important environmental initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of administrative tasks, including: handling incoming calls and visitors, processing administrative documents such as travel requests and purchase orders, logging correspondences, responding to routine inquiries, organizing meetings and events, maintaining calendars, proofreading documents, coordinating shipment arrangements, monitoring deadlines and workflows, performing data entry, maintaining accurate records, researching and compiling information for reports and presentations, updating distribution lists, and supporting meetings and conferences with logistical tasks. The intern may also be assigned other duties as needed, providing a comprehensive experience in administrative support within an international organization.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, applicants must meet one of the following requirements: be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), or be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent). Additionally, applicants must be computer literate in standard software applications, demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, and possess the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. No prior working experience is required, but relevant training, education, or skills that can benefit the United Nations during the internship are encouraged.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program or the final year of a bachelor's degree program. This educational background is essential to ensure that interns have the necessary theoretical knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to the work of the United Nations and to understand the complexities of international environmental issues.

Experience:
No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. However, candidates should possess relevant training, education, or skills that can be beneficial to the United Nations during their internship. This allows for a diverse range of applicants, including recent graduates and students, to gain valuable experience in an international setting.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is considered an advantage, as it can enhance communication and collaboration within the organization and with international partners.

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 the country where the internship is undertaken 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. Additionally, it is emphasized that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.