Internship at the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD) was established in 1971 through an agreement between the UN and the Government of Japan. The organization focuses on promoting sustainable regional development in developing countries, emphasizing development planning and management in the context of globalization and decentralization. UNCRD is committed to addressing global environmental issues and their impacts, aligning its efforts with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The organization operates with a mission to provide technical assistance to developing countries, particularly in urban sustainability, and has been active in various countries since its inception.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is located within the Environment Unit of UNCRD in Nagoya, Japan. The intern will report directly to the Environment Programme Coordinator and will play a crucial role in supporting the organization of significant regional forums, specifically the Regional EST Forum in Asia and the Regional 3R and Circular Economy in Asia and the Pacific. The intern's responsibilities will include updating invitee lists, preparing and dispatching invitations, compiling electronic information from participating countries, and assisting in the research and preparation of papers and reports related to ongoing projects. This role is designed to provide the intern with hands-on experience in sustainable development initiatives and the opportunity to contribute to impactful environmental projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks that are essential to the successful organization of regional forums. These tasks include: - Updating and maintaining lists of invitees for the forums. - Assisting in the preparation and dispatch of invitations to participating countries and other invitees. - Compiling and organizing nominations received from participating countries. - Collecting and analyzing data from multiple resources to support project-related research. - Assisting in the preparation of presentations for UNCRD’s participation in the forums. - Supporting the Environment Unit in various administrative and logistical tasks as needed. The intern is expected to engage actively in the research process, contributing to the development of papers and reports that align with UNCRD's mission and objectives.

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, such as a Master’s degree or higher, including Ph.D. or postgraduate degree); or (b) Be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required for the UN Internship Programme, candidates should have a field of study closely related to the internship, such as environmental management, urban planning, urban development, or waste management. Additionally, applicants should demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications and be able to articulate how their studies relate to Sustainable Development, particularly in sustainable transport and circular economy initiatives.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess a relevant educational background that aligns with the internship's focus areas. This includes being enrolled in or having completed a graduate program or the final year of a bachelor's degree in fields such as environmental management, urban planning, urban development, or waste management. The educational qualifications should reflect a strong understanding of sustainable development principles and practices, particularly in relation to urban sustainability and environmental issues.

Experience:
While the internship does not require prior professional work experience, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that demonstrates their understanding of the field. This could include internships, volunteer work, or academic projects related to environmental management or urban development. The emphasis is on the candidate's ability to apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges in sustainable development.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for the internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French, another official UN language, is considered an asset. Candidates who possess additional language skills may have an advantage, particularly if those languages are also official UN languages.

Additional Notes:
The internship is expected to last for 2-3 months, specifically from July to December 202

• Candidates must indicate their availability for this period in their cover letter. It is important to note that interns are not financially compensated 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. Additionally, interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Japan may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization before commencing the internship. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.