Intern - Scientific Unit

Job Posting Organization:
The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) is a global intergovernmental treaty aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of migratory species and their habitats. The CMS Secretariat, which operates under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), coordinates various intergovernmental instruments related to migratory species conservation. UNEP's mission is to address environmental issues at both global and regional levels, facilitating the development of environmental policy consensus and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community. The CMS Secretariat is located in Bonn, Germany, and is responsible for implementing the CMS mandates, which include addressing crosscutting issues such as climate change and wildlife health. The organization is committed to the conservation of migratory species and their habitats, and it operates in multiple countries worldwide, engaging with various stakeholders to promote sustainable practices.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at the CMS Secretariat is designed for individuals who are passionate about environmental conservation and wish to contribute to the implementation of CMS mandates. Interns will support the Science Team, which plays a crucial role in coordinating efforts related to climate change, wildlife health, illegal taking of migratory species, connectivity, and light pollution. The internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a global intergovernmental organization, working closely with professionals in the field of environmental science and policy. Interns will be involved in various tasks that may include assisting with the implementation of decisions made at the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CMS (COP15), participating in meetings and teleconferences, and contributing to the maintenance of CMS Appendices and online databases. The internship is full-time, requiring a commitment of 40 hours per week, and can be conducted remotely if necessary. This position is ideal for students or recent graduates looking to enhance their knowledge and skills in environmental conservation and policy.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a diverse range of responsibilities during their internship at the CMS Secretariat. These duties may include: assisting with the implementation of decisions from COP15 related to crosscutting issues; planning and coordinating working groups on these issues; participating in meetings and teleconferences, taking notes, and contributing to discussions; maintaining the CMS Appendices and online databases of species; developing strategies and action plans; preparing and following up on meetings and workshops; creating background documents for CMS meetings; assisting with project proposals for fundraising; managing the national reporting cycle; developing specific websites and communication products; preparing publications, presentations, and capacity-building materials; and participating in relevant meetings of the CMS Secretariat. Interns will work under the supervision of a Programme Officer or a member of the CMS Scientific Team, and their daily responsibilities will vary based on their individual backgrounds and the internship period.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: 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 degree or equivalent). A preferred area of study includes biology, ecology, zoology, environmental studies, international relations/policy, political sciences, geography, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, or related fields. While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Applicants must also be computer literate in standard software applications and possess the ability to analyze scientific data, providing examples of past work if applicable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being a student in the final year of a first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or being enrolled in a Master’s or Ph.D. program, or having completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. program. Proof of enrollment or completion will need to be provided during the application process. The preferred fields of study are those that align with the responsibilities of the internship, particularly in environmental science and policy.

Experience:
While prior professional work experience is not a prerequisite for this internship, applicants should demonstrate relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. This could include internships, volunteer work, or academic projects related to environmental conservation, policy analysis, or scientific research.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as it is the working language of the CMS Secretariat. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly French or Spanish, is desirable and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of Germany 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 United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.