UNEP COP Coordination Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is a leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Established in 1972, UNEP has been at the forefront of environmental governance and policy-making, working with various stakeholders including governments, civil society, and the private sector. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a diverse workforce of approximately 1,000 employees dedicated to addressing pressing environmental challenges.

Job Overview:
The UNEP COP Coordination Intern will play a crucial role in supporting the Governance Branch of the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm conventions. This internship is designed for individuals who are passionate about environmental governance and wish to gain hands-on experience in international law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">environmental law and policy. The intern will primarily assist in preparing for the 2027 meetings of the conferences of the Parties to these conventions, which aim to protect human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals and wastes. The intern will engage in various tasks that contribute to the successful organization and execution of these significant international meetings, providing an opportunity to learn about multilateral environmental agreements and the workings of the United Nations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of tasks under the supervision of a Programme Officer, including:

• Preparing and formatting meeting documents and reports to ensure clarity and professionalism.
• Drafting letters and other written outputs, including presentations and training materials, to facilitate communication and information sharing.
• Assisting in the organization of regional preparatory meetings, bureaux meetings, webinars, teleconferences, and other briefings to ensure effective stakeholder engagement.
• Supporting the organization of side events and other types of events related to the conventions.
• Developing outreach materials and web content to promote the conventions and their objectives.
• Compiling and formatting chairs' notes to assist in the documentation of meetings.
• Supporting the training of chairs and negotiators at meetings of the conventions to enhance their effectiveness.
• Providing additional support to the COP coordinators as required for the preparations and running of the 2027 meetings.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Enrollment in or completion of a post-graduate school programme (master’s degree or equivalent, or higher) is essential.
• Relevant fields of study such as business administration, public administration, international law, international environmental law, environmental management, political science, international relations, or development studies are advantageous.
• While professional work experience is not mandatory for UN internships, having experience in a closely related field (e.g., publications, projects) is considered an asset.
• Applicants must be students in their final year of a Master’s or Ph.D. Programme or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. Programme.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes being enrolled in or having completed a post-graduate programme, specifically a master’s degree or higher. Candidates should ideally have a focus on areas that align with the responsibilities of the internship, such as international environmental law, public administration, or related fields. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of environmental governance and the legal frameworks surrounding hazardous chemicals and wastes.

Experience:
While the internship does not require prior professional work experience, candidates with relevant experience in fields related to environmental governance, international law, or project management will be viewed favorably. This could include internships, volunteer work, or academic projects that demonstrate a commitment to environmental issues and an understanding of the workings of international organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also required, as it is another working language. Additionally, proficiency in any other official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an advantage, enhancing the intern's ability to communicate in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This internship is expected to last for a duration of six months, with a desired start date in October 202

• 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 prior to starting the internship. Furthermore, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.