Intern - Environment Affairs - 2 Positions at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

UNEP/Ecosystems Division/Biodiversity, People and Landscapes Unit requires the services of two (2) interns to support the implementation of activities related to the Biodiversity, People and Landscapes Unit’s projects, focusing on Nature-based solutions, Wildlife Economy, and One Health, in addition to supporting the Great Apes Survival Partnership (GRASP). Among other tasks, the interns will assist in conducting research, preparing meetings, briefing notes and communication materials.

Interns work five days per week (35-40 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned. Have demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions.

Responsibilities

• Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Biodiversity, People and Landscapes Unit:
• Develop key communications materials, in print, online and for social media;
• Support the unit in drafting project concepts, proposals, and implementation agreements;
• Assist in the preparation of workshops, meetings and other events to take place in Nairobi and other countries to achieve programmatic results;
• Assist in the development of project reports to a variety of donors;
• Communicate with project partners, consultants, implementers etc. on programmatic activities to support programmatic results;
• Undertake targeted desktop research to compile stories, facts, data and other pieces to inform programme development;
• Assist in tracking key policy developments, including outcomes of meetings and related processes and prepare periodic digests of such information in succinct formats;
• Undertake other tasks as required, and in accordance with the intern's interests and experience.

Competencies

• COMMUNICATION; Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed
• PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies of the Land Use Finance Project; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
• CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

• Master’s Degree (within 1 year of graduation) or currently enrolled in a Master’s Programme;
• Background in environmental sciences, environmental policy, biodiversity and conservation, development studies, or other related field;
• Demonstrated interest in issues related to species conservation, biodiversity, or sustainable development require

Work Experience

No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship.