Internship in Industry and Economy Division

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. UNEP was established in 1972 and has since been at the forefront of environmental governance, working with various stakeholders to address pressing environmental issues. The organization operates in over 100 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to various environmental initiatives. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to environmental challenges on a global scale.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is based in the Industry and Economy Division, specifically within the Chemicals branch, KRU Unit, and the Secretariat of the Global Framework on Chemicals in Geneva, Switzerland. Interns will work under the supervision and guidance of Programme Management Officers and will be engaged in supporting various topics related to chemicals and environmental management. The role is designed to provide interns with practical experience in the field of environmental science and policy, particularly focusing on the management of chemicals and pollutants. Interns will have the opportunity to contribute to significant projects and initiatives that aim to address environmental challenges, enhance awareness, and promote sustainable practices. The internship is expected to last for six months and will involve a hybrid work model, combining office-based and remote work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be involved in a variety of tasks across different topics related to chemicals and environmental management. Responsibilities include supporting the development of technical assistance and capacity-building projects, conducting desk research, collecting and compiling information, assisting in organizing meetings and workshops, and preparing written outputs such as background papers, presentations, and communication materials. Specific topics include Environmentally Persistent Pharmaceutical Pollutants (EPPPs), Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs), Stockholm Convention National Implementation Plans, Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), mercury management, lead exposure, pesticide management, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), green and sustainable chemistry integration, and the Global Framework on Chemicals Secretariat and Fund. Interns will also assist in stakeholder engagement and resource mobilization efforts, contributing to the overall success of the projects they are involved in.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). A preferred area of study includes advanced university degrees in environmental sciences, chemical sciences, agricultural sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, sustainable development, or engineering. Fully proficient computer skills and familiarity with web-based platforms and relevant software such as word processing, PowerPoint, and Excel are essential. Candidates should demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter, as well as the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

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 or having completed a Master’s or Ph.D. Programme. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Applicants should have a field of study that closely relates to the internship they are applying for, ensuring that they possess the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to the projects.

Experience:
While applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience, it is essential that they have a field of study closely related to the type of internship they are applying for. This ensures that interns can effectively engage with the tasks and responsibilities assigned to them. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in the field of environmental management and policy.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable, which may include French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding), while 'knowledge of' indicates a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and costs and arrangements for 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 the country where the internship is undertaken may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and it does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.