INTERN - ENVIRONMENT AFFAIRS

Contract

This is a I-1 contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about I-1 contracts.

Org. Setting and Reporting 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.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates international trade in specimens (plants, animals and parts and derivatives thereof) of about 36,000 species listed in the three Appendices of the Convention. In order to efficiently implement the Convention and ensure that when international wildlife trade occurs, it is legal, sustainable and traceable, Parties to CITES need to have in place adequate national legislation and designate one or more Management and Scientific authorities. The role of the Secretariat is to support Parties in the effective implementation of the Convention and the related Resolutions and Decisions. To further assist Parties and to ensure that the Convention continues to respond to current conservation needs and challenges, the Conference of the Parties is directing the Secretariat to undertake an increasing number of specific activities. The Secretariat is also tasked with organizing the annual meetings of the permanent committees and with organizing smaller ad hoc workshops and consultations.

Six internship positions are available.

The Internships will be for a minimum of three (3) months and a maximum of six (6) months. The timing of the internship can be flexible according to the prospective interns' availability and academic constraints. The Internship is UNPAID and full-time. 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.

An intern with the CITES Secretariat is not a staff member of the CITES Secretariat, therefore, the privileges and immunities agreed between the CITES Secretariat and the host Government do not apply to interns. An intern is not financially remunerated by the CITES Secretariat. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or his/her sponsoring institution.

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;

Responsibilities Specific tasks and responsibilities will depend on the individual's background as well as the Unit the candidate will be applying to. (Candidates are required to indicate the Unit are applying for on the cover letter)

1. Science Unit (1 intern):

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer(s) of the CITES Science Unit, the intern will:

•Assist with conducting research and analyses related to the implementation of specific CoP Decisions and Resolutions allocated to the Science Unit; •Assist in conducting background research for the preparation of substantive meeting documents; •Compile and prepare analyses of information submitted by Parties in response to various calls for information related to their implementation of the Convention; •Assist with other tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

The following qualifications are required for this internship:

•Academic qualifications in a relevant scientific area, including conservation biology; environmental or political sciences; wildlife, forestry or fishery management; ecology; etc.; •Ability to undertake research, provide analytical and programmatic support, and compile, organize and analyze data; and Interested in working at the science-policy interface.

2. Legal Unit (1 Intern)

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer(s) of the CITES Legal Unit, the intern(s) will:

•Assist with conducting research and analyses related to the implementation of specific CoP Decisions and Resolutions; •Assist in conducting background research for the preparation of substantive meeting documents; •Assist in preparing documents for the meetings of the permanent committees; •Compile and prepare analyses of information submitted by Parties in response to various calls for information related to their implementation of the Convention; •Assist with other tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

The following qualifications are required for this internship:

• Academic qualifications in law (public, international, criminal, environmental) or social sciences;
• Interest and motivation to work on legal, compliance, and/or enforcement matters related to CITES;
• Excellent writing skills is desirable;
• Fluency in French of Spanish is desirable.

3. Enforcement Unit (1 Intern)

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer of the CITES Enforcement Unit, the intern will:

•Assist with conducting research and analyses related to the implementation of specific CoP Decisions and Resolutions; •Assist in conducting background research for the preparation of substantive meeting documents; •Compile and prepare analyses of information submitted by Parties in response to various calls for information related to their implementation of the Convention; •Assist with other tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

The following qualifications are required for this internship:

•Academic qualifications in the field of law enforcement, policing, criminal justice, homeland security, environmental law or related field; •Interest and motivation to work on compliance and/or enforcement matters related to CITES; •Experience with compliance or enforcement (judiciary, customs, polices, wildlife authority) is desirable.

4. Governing Bodies Unit (1 Intern)

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer of the CITES Governing Bodies Unit, the intern will:

•Assist in the preparation of documents and reports to be submitted to the CITES Permanent Committees; •Compile and prepare analyses of information submitted by Parties in response to various calls for information related to their implementation of the Convention (implementation reports); •Assist with the development of document tagging and archival system within the CITES Secretariat; •Assist with other tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

The following qualifications are required for this internship:

•Academic qualifications in the field of political science, social science, environmental law, or related field; •Knowledge of archiving and cataloguing is desirable; •Knowledge of French or Spanish is desirable.

5. Administration and Finance Unit (1 Intern)

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer of the CITES Administrative and Finance Unit, the intern will:

•Assist in the process of planning and organizing meetings, telephone conferences and side-events; •Assist with archiving and record-keeping; •Assist in collecting administrative and financial data for uploading into database; •Assist with other tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

The following qualifications are required for this internship: •Academic background in business administration; •Knowledge of Microsoft Office; •Knowledge of database access design is an advantage.

6. Office of the Secretary General (1 Intern)

Under the direct supervision of the Secretary-General of the CITES Secretariat, the intern will:

•Assist in the process of planning and organizing high-level events at CITES; •Compile and prepare analyses of information in response to various calls for information related to the implementation of the Convention by the Parties; •Assist with communication and social media by the Secretary-General; •Assist with other tasks as assigned by the supervisor

The following qualifications are required for this internship: •Academic qualifications in economics, social sciences, communications, international relations and diplomacy or related field; •Ability to undertake research, provide analytical and programmatic support, and compile, organize and analyze data; •Proficient in Spanish language is required.

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.

PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. 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.

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

(a) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent); or (b) be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent or higher); or (c) have graduated with a university degree

Preferred area of study: Environmental Studies or related field.

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.

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 this post, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French or Spanish (working languages of the CITES Secretariat) or any other UN official language is desirable.

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

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice Your application for this internship must include:

1. A cover note which must include:

-The CITES Unit that you are applying for. -Title of the degree you are currently pursuing and graduation date -IT skills and programmes you are proficient in -Explain your interest and why you are the best candidate for this specific internship,ensure to include all past work experience (if any).

2.A Completed application (Personal History Profile) through the UN careers Portal. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

3.Proof of enrolment from current University (if not graduated).

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

Due to a high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted.

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. The work hours during the internship shall be determined based on individual discussion between the intern and the supervisor(s) taking into consideration the minimum requirements of the Organization and the time difference between the hosting office and the location of the intern.

United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.