Intern - CITES Legal Unit

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is 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 on a global scale and works with various stakeholders to ensure sustainable practices are adopted worldwide. UNEP operates in numerous countries, engaging with governments, civil society, and the private sector to foster environmental awareness and action.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the CITES Legal Unit at UNEP is designed to provide support in the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The intern will work under the direct supervision of Programme Officer(s) and will be involved in various research and analytical tasks related to the implementation of specific Conference of the Parties (CoP) Decisions and Resolutions. The role is pivotal in ensuring that the international wildlife trade is legal, sustainable, and traceable, which is essential for the conservation of endangered species. The intern will assist in preparing substantive meeting documents, compiling analyses of information submitted by Parties, and supporting the organization of meetings and workshops. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">environmental law and policy, while contributing to the vital work of CITES.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct research and analyses related to the implementation of specific CoP Decisions and Resolutions.
• Assist in conducting background research for the preparation of substantive meeting documents.
• Prepare documents for the meetings of the permanent committees.
• Compile and prepare analyses of information submitted by Parties in response to various calls for information related to their implementation of the Convention.
• Assist with other tasks as assigned by the supervisor, which may include administrative support and coordination of meetings.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements 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); or (b) be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent or higher); or (c) have graduated with a university degree. Academic qualifications should be in fields such as law (public, international, criminal, environmental), social sciences, law enforcement, policing, criminal justice, homeland security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, or environmental law. Excellent writing skills are desirable, and a strong interest in legal, compliance, and enforcement matters related to CITES is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be pursuing or have completed a degree in a relevant field, such as law or social sciences. Specifically, applicants should be in their final year of a bachelor's degree, or enrolled in a master's or Ph.D. program, or have completed such programs. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of international environmental law and the specific legal frameworks governing wildlife trade.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not required for this internship, candidates should have a field of study closely related to the internship. This could include coursework or projects that demonstrate an understanding of legal frameworks, environmental policies, or international relations. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates who are eager to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting.

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 desirable, as these languages are also used within the organization. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding), while 'knowledge of' indicates a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
The internship is expected to last for a duration of 6 months. It is important to note that 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 Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. Candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. Additionally, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.