Intern - Environment Affairs, Nairobi, Kenya at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

The Law Division internship is for 3 months with a possibility for extension for six months depending on the needs of the Organization. The Internship is UNPAID and full-time. Interns work five days per week (35 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Director of the Law Division and/or their designates, selected interns will work with and learn from a team of experienced legal professionals in the area of environmental law. The interns will be offered the opportunity to:

• Assist countries to develop environmental legislation or to review and revise their environmental legislation through carrying out research and analysis and, providing comments and drafting proposals for consideration;
• Carry out research on select environmental law and governance issues, including but not limited to environmental rule of law, multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), progressive development of international environmental law; implementation and enforcement; human rights and the environment; and environmental crime;
• Assist in the organization and support of training events and other meetings and workshops that are organized by the Division through, e.g., preparing the agenda, liaising with participants, compiling materials, making presentations, taking notes, etc.; c6IevpU uyapq
• Help monitor, manage, and assist in due diligence activities for online knowledge bases, such as InforMEA and LEAP, in support of UNEP's digital transformation. This will include providing up-to-date information on environmental laws, news, and resources and supporting LEAP's response mechanism to requests for technical assistance;
• Undertake such other tasks as may be assigned by the Director and/or her designates, such as the preparation of communication material promoting the Law Division's work.

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, applicants may be requested to undertake the internship remotely in view of constraints regarding visa issuance, international travel, and access to UN premises. Applicants must be willing and prepared to undertake the internship remotely for a part or the entirety of the internship.

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.

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.

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.

Education

Applicants must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
• Have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must commence the internship within three year period of graduation.
• Be computer literate in standard software applications.
• 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.

Preferred area of study: Currently enrolled or recently graduated (within 3 years) from a postgraduate programme in law, with a focus on environmental law, international law, or related areas.

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.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the internship, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French and Spanish is an advantage.

Assessment

Potential candidates will be contacted by hiring manager directly for further consideration.

Special Notice

Your application for this internship must include:

1. A Completed application (Personal History Profile) and Cover Note, through the UN careers Portal. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

The Cover Note must include:

•  Title of the degree you are currently pursuing
•  Graduation Date
•  IT skills and programmes you are proficient in
•  Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship
• Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme, ensure to include all past work experience (if any).

2. Proof of enrollment from current University (if not graduated).

3. A copy of degree certificate (if you have already graduated).