Intern at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is recognized as the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda. Established to promote 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. The organization plays a crucial role in addressing environmental issues and fostering international cooperation to ensure sustainable development. UNEP operates in numerous countries around the world, engaging with various stakeholders to implement environmental policies and initiatives effectively. The organization is dedicated to promoting sustainable practices and addressing pressing environmental challenges through research, advocacy, and collaboration.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at UNEP focuses on supporting the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This role is essential for assisting in the implementation of the Convention, which regulates international trade in specimens of approximately 36,000 species. The intern will work under the direct supervision of the Secretary-General of the CITES Secretariat, contributing to the planning and organization of high-level events, compiling analyses of information related to the Convention's implementation, and assisting with communication efforts. The position offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into international environmental governance and the workings of a major UN body, while also developing skills in research, analysis, and communication.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: assisting in the planning and organization of high-level events related to CITES; compiling and preparing analyses of information in response to calls for information from Parties regarding the implementation of the Convention; supporting communication efforts, including social media management for the Secretary-General; and undertaking other tasks as assigned by the supervisor. This role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively within a team environment, as well as the capacity to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria at the time of application: (a) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent); (b) be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent or higher); or (c) have graduated with a university degree. The internship requires academic qualifications in fields such as economics, social sciences, communications, international relations, or diplomacy. Additionally, candidates should possess strong research and analytical skills, as well as the ability to compile, organize, and analyze data effectively. While professional work experience is not mandatory, a relevant field of study is essential for this internship.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in a university degree programme or have completed a degree in a relevant field. This includes being a student in the final year of a bachelor's degree, or enrolled in a master's or Ph.D. programme. Alternatively, applicants may have already graduated with a bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. degree. The educational background should align closely with the responsibilities of the internship, particularly in areas related to environmental policy, international relations, or social sciences.

Experience:
While applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience, it is essential that their field of study is closely related to the internship they are applying for. This means that candidates should ideally have academic experience or coursework that provides a foundation for understanding the complexities of international environmental governance and trade regulations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French or Spanish is considered desirable, as it can enhance communication within the diverse environment of the UN. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: reading, writing, speaking, and understanding, while knowledge is rated as 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
Interns at UNEP are not financially remunerated, meaning that they will not receive a salary or stipend for their work. Therefore, all costs associated with 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 Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. The United Nations emphasizes that there are no fees associated with the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not charged at any stage.