INTERN - ENVIRONMENT AFFAIRS: CHEMICALS & POLLUTION

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Sunday 20 Nov 2022 at 23:59 UTC

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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 United Nations system's designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action.

The Latin America and the Caribbean Office located in Panama City works closely with the 33 countries of the region - including 16 small island developing States, with a population of about 650 million people. The office works to serve the needs of the region and its activities are integrated into the work programs approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly of UN Environment (UNEA).

The overall objective of Chemicals and Pollution Unit/UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO) is to promote the transition of countries to the sound management of chemicals and waste, and encourage countries to enhance and keep the state of the quality of the air, in order to minimize impact on the environment and human health. UNEP provides information and support initiatives to improve the management of chemicals and wastes, and the state of the quality of the air, and facilitates implementation in the region of the various international agreements in force or under negotiation, including the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions, Minamata Convention on Mercury, and the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM). The Latin America and the Caribbean Office is currently implementing a range of projects within the UN Environment Programme of Work, Subprogramme on Chemicals and Pollution.

The XXI meeting of the Forum of Ministers of Environment for Latin America and the Caribbean (Buenos Aires, Argentina, 9-12 October 2018) called upon UNEP to additionally support pollution related issues, like the sound management of chemicals and waste, reduction of marine litter and microplastics, and air quality. The Forum has also established the Intergovernmental Network on Chemicals and Waste for Latin America and the Caribbean, the Intergovernmental Network on Atmospheric Pollution, the Coalition for the progressive closure of dumpsites, and the Working Group reinforcing sub-regional and regional cooperation and facilitating the exchange of experiences in these areas. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office provides secretariat support to these Networks and initiatives, including support its governing bodies and the implementation of the related regional action plans.

The LAC Office also supports the countries in the strengthening of the nexus environment and health, through integrated assessments, pollution prevention strategies, capacity building, awareness raising activities, etc., in coordination with relevant partners.

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Coordinator on Chemicals and Pollution in the Latin America and the Caribbean Office, the intern(s) will support different projects and initiatives carried out by the Unit at national and regional level to improve the sound management of chemicals and waste.

One (or more) intern(s) is sought for a six-month internship period. The Internship is UNPAID and full-time. Interns work five days per week (40 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO) / Chemicals and Pollution Unit.

Responsibilities Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual’s background, the intern’s assigned office as well as the internship period.

Under the direct supervision of the of the Regional Coordinator on Chemicals and Pollution, of the Latin America and the Caribbean Office, the intern will be supporting the following projects and initiatives:

  • The Intergovernmental Network on Chemicals and Waste for Latin America and the Caribbean
  • The Intergovernmental Network on Atmospheric Pollution for Latin America and the Caribbean
  • The Coalition for the progressive closure of dumpsites for Latin America and the Caribbean
  • Working Group on Marine Litter and Microplastics in Latin America and the Caribbean
  • Providing support to countries and cities in improving air quality
  • Generating and sharing knowledge on sound management of chemicals and waste
  • Environment, Health and Pollution
  • Sound management of waste

More specifically, the job will entail the following tasks: - Carry out research, analysis and drafting of documents presenting data and information gathered from diverse sources to support the implementation of the chemicals, waste and air quality projects. - Support the preparation of briefings, information material and power point presentations. - Support the Secretariat tasks of the Intergovernmental Network on Chemicals and Waste for Latin America and the Caribbean, including the meetings of the Steering Committee and focal points for the implementation of the regional action plan. - Support the Secretariat tasks of the Intergovernmental Network on Atmospheric Pollution for Latin America and the Caribbean, including the meetings of the Steering Committee and focal points for the implementation and monitoring of the first regional actional plan. - Support the Secretariat tasks of the Voluntary Coalition for the progressive closure of dumpsites, including the meetings of the Steering Committee and focal points for the monitoring of the Work Plan, implementation of the Roadmap for the closure of dumpsites, as well as awareness-raising activities and capacity building activities. - Support the Secretariat tasks of the Working Group on Marine Litter and Microplastics in Latin America and the Caribbean, including the meetings with governmental focal points, the development of minutes and PowerPoint presentations, supporting technical research on marine litter, plastics pollution and microplastics, and other related tasks - Support communication tasks to facilitate regional dialogue in order to promote cooperation and information exchange among countries, including that of electronic newsletters while also managing databases for countries and key stakeholders. - Support project development and implementation by gathering relevant information and data. - Assist with the organization of meetings, workshops, seminars, webinars and other similar activities, supporting with the preparation of agendas, co-drafting background materials, and meeting reports. - Support other activities of the Chemicals and Pollution Programme as requested.

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:

a. Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); b. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent); c. Have graduated with a university degree

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.

Final year undergraduate or master’s degree student in Environmental Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Engineering, International Relations, Economics, Social Sciences and/or related field of studies preferred.

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 internship, fluency in oral and written English and Spanish is required, since work will require research and communication, including reading and interviews, in both languages. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

NOTE: "Fluency equals a rating of "fluent" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and "Knowledge of" equals a rating of "confident" in two of the four areas.

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 enrolment from current University (if not graduated).

3.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.

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.

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: careers.un.org