Intern - Project and Knowledge Management Support

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Established in 1972, UNEP operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices. The Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol (MLF) was established in 1991 as the financial mechanism of the Montreal Protocol to assist developing countries in complying with their obligations under the Protocol. The MLF is managed by an Executive Committee with equal representation from industrialized and developing countries, and it reports annually to the Meeting of the Parties on its operations. The Fund Secretariat is located in Montreal, Canada, and is administered by UNEP, which emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in addressing global environmental challenges.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed to provide support to the Multilateral Fund Secretariat, specifically in the areas of project and knowledge management. Interns will work under the direct supervision of the Deputy Chief Officer and will be involved in various tasks that contribute to the preparation of documents for the Executive Committee meetings and the Interagency Coordination meetings. The role requires a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to its ideals. Interns will engage in research, data analysis, and the preparation of materials that are essential for the effective functioning of the Multilateral Fund. This position is full-time, requiring interns to work five days a week, totaling 35-40 hours, and is intended to be in-person at the MLF Secretariat in Montreal. The internship duration ranges from a minimum of 3 months to a maximum of 6 months, with a desired start date of January 18, 2027.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: researching, compiling, analyzing, summarizing, and presenting relevant data and information for the preparation of documents for the Executive Committee meetings; collecting and analyzing data related to the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment; preparing lists, tables, and charts for project submissions; assisting with the migration of data to the new Knowledge Management System (KMS); testing solutions and features of the KMS; coordinating activities and updating the Multilateral Fund website; developing country profiles for Article 5 countries; providing support in organizing meetings and events; and assisting with any other tasks as required. This role is crucial for ensuring that the Multilateral Fund operates effectively and meets its objectives in supporting the implementation of the Montreal Protocol.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); or have graduated with a university degree. Preferred areas of study include international relations, environmental science, sustainable development, communications, administration, or related fields. Candidates should possess strong analytical skills, good communication skills (both written and oral), and proficiency in computer skills, including the use of databases and web-based platforms. A keen interest in the work of the United Nations and the ability to interact with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds are also essential.

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 such programs. The preferred areas of study are closely related to the internship's focus, such as international relations, environmental science, or sustainable development. Applicants must provide proof of their educational status at the time of application, and an official certificate may be required later in the process.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not required for this internship, applicants should have a field of study that closely relates to the internship's focus. This means that candidates should ideally have academic experience or coursework that aligns with the duties and responsibilities of the position. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in a professional setting, particularly within the context of international environmental governance.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage. This multilingual capability is beneficial for effective communication within the diverse environment of the United Nations.

Additional Notes:
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 Canada may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. Additionally, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible and equitable.