Internship with UNEP Textile Initiative

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. It operates in multiple countries worldwide, focusing on various environmental issues and initiatives, including sustainable development, climate change, and biodiversity conservation. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it works with governments, industries, and communities to achieve this goal.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is designed to support the UNEP Textile Initiative, which is part of UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division. This initiative aims to provide strategic leadership and foster collaboration across the textile and fashion sectors to promote a sustainable and circular value chain. The intern will engage in various activities that contribute to the initiative's goals, including research, technical support, coordination, and communication tasks. The role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in sustainable textiles and the workings of the United Nations. Interns will assist in country-level project activities, learn about life cycle approaches in textiles, and support project management processes. They will also develop skills in research and analysis, focusing on critical topics such as chemicals in textiles and fashion consumption trends. Additionally, interns will gain experience in communications and event coordination, contributing to newsletters, campaigns, and organizing international events. This internship is unpaid and lasts for six months, requiring a commitment of five days per week (35 hours) under the supervision of a Programme Manager in the Textiles Unit.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the UNEP Textile Initiative. These include assisting with country-level project activities, reviewing project deliverables, and supporting project management processes. Interns will engage in research and analysis on key topics related to sustainable textiles, such as the impact of chemicals and consumption trends in the fashion industry. They will also contribute to the development of communication materials, including newsletters and campaigns, and help organize international events related to the initiative. Daily responsibilities will vary based on the intern's background, learning objectives, and the team's priorities during the internship period. Interns will work closely with other staff members in the division to ensure effective collaboration and support for the initiative's goals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have a degree in fashion or textiles with a focus on sustainability, or in international relations, social sciences, business studies, or a related field with an emphasis on sustainable textiles. Applicants must meet one of the following criteria at the time of application: be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) in communication, media studies, or journalism; be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent); or have graduated with a university degree and must commence the internship within one year of graduation. Proficiency in standard software applications is required, along with a demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to its ideals. Candidates should also possess the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes a degree program in fashion or textiles with a focus on sustainability, or a degree in international relations, social sciences, business studies, or a related field that includes some focus on sustainable textiles. Candidates must be enrolled in a graduate program or be in their final year of undergraduate studies, or have recently graduated. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of sustainable practices within the textile and fashion industries.

Experience:
No prior working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. However, candidates should possess relevant training, education, or skills that would benefit the United Nations during their internship. This could include coursework or projects related to sustainable textiles, environmental policy, or international relations, which would provide a solid foundation for the responsibilities of the internship.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN. Additional language skills in Spanish, Chinese, Russian, or Arabic would be considered an asset, enhancing the intern's ability to communicate and collaborate in a diverse international environment.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. 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. The internship is available for a duration of six months, and interns can choose to work either from the UNEP office in Paris or remotely. The flexibility of remote work allows for applicants from various regions to apply, and working across different time zones is permissible.