Intern - Climate Change, Food Security and Natural Resources

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) is a regional arm of the United Nations established to promote economic and social development in African countries. It was founded in 1958 and has since been working to foster regional integration and cooperation among member states. UNECA's mission is to support African countries in their efforts to achieve sustainable development and improve the quality of life for their populations. The organization operates in multiple countries across the African continent, focusing on various sectors including climate change, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and natural resources management. UNECA employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by African nations.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at UNECA is designed for individuals with a strong educational background in climate change, policy, development, international relations, or related fields. Interns will play a crucial role in supporting the Climate Change, Food Security & Natural Resources Division by assisting in the development and promotion of climate-response policies, plans, and programs. They will also be involved in preparations for the upcoming COP32 conference, which is set to take place in Addis Ababa. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a prestigious international organization while contributing to significant global issues such as climate change and food security. Interns will work closely with professional staff and will be expected to engage in various cross-cutting themes within the division, enhancing their understanding of the complexities involved in climate policy and international cooperation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be based at the main office of UNECA in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and are expected to be present during the internship period. They will report to a staff member in the Climate Change, Food Security & Natural Resources Division and will collaborate with other professional staff. The responsibilities include: assisting in research on climate-related themes; drafting and editing publications, briefs, and other documents; maintaining databases; tracking project negotiations and implementations; organizing meetings and events; conducting outreach activities; preparing for COP32; supporting the development of presentations; liaising with partner organizations; contributing to administrative tasks; participating in meetings and drafting meeting minutes. This role requires a proactive approach and the ability to work effectively in a team environment, as well as independently when necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent). This ensures that candidates possess the necessary academic foundation to engage with the complex issues addressed by UNECA.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes a focus on climate change, policy, development, international relations, or related fields. Candidates should have either completed a graduate program or be in the final year of their undergraduate studies, which demonstrates their commitment to understanding the intricacies of climate and development issues.

Experience:
While prior professional experience is not mandatory for this internship, any relevant experience in research, policy analysis, or project management will be considered an asset. Interns should demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt to the dynamic environment of international development work.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English is required for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is considered desirable, as it may enhance communication and collaboration within the organization and with French-speaking stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
Interns at UNECA are not financially remunerated, meaning that they will not receive a salary for their work. All costs related to 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 Ethiopia may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging female candidates and persons with disabilities to apply. Furthermore, the organization does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that all applicants are treated fairly and equitably.