INTERN - ENVIRONMENT AFFAIRS (Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel of the Global Environment Facility)

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 environment agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development with the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.

The Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) (https://www.stapgef.org) provides independent advice to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and is made up of a Chair and six members. The roles and responsibilities of the Chair, Panel members and STAP Secretariat are set out in STAP’s Terms of Reference (https://www.stapgef.org/about-stap/) (March 2012). STAP is hosted by UNEP, on behalf of the GEF.

STAP’s role is to provide independent scientific and technical advice on the GEF’s policies, strategies, programs, and projects. It does so by executing a program of work developed in collaboration with the GEF Secretariat, and by screening GEF projects. Its advice takes a variety of forms, including formal guidance, advice, information notes, policy briefs, and assessments.

The Panel is supported by a small, dedicated Secretariat of six. The STAP Secretariat provides substantive and operational assistance in the delivery of Panel members’ responsibilities.

This internship is with the STAP Secretariat located in Washington, DC. Interns are expected to work full-time (35 hours per week) under the supervision of a Programme Officer. This internship is UNPAID.

The STAP Secretariat seeks suitably qualified candidates with an interest in environmental science and policy to contribute to the work of the Panel, for 6 months.

Responsibilities Assist with research on issues related to the main focal areas of the GEF (biodiversity, climate change mitigation, climate adaptation, chemicals and waste, land degradation, and international waters), for example, to help with STAP papers, and project reviews.

Assist in preparing speaking notes and presentations, and in organizing STAP meetings and workshops.

Assist with STAP communications, including updating the STAP website.

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 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 and is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final decisions, even if these may not reflect their 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 developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timelines for delivery of products or services to client.

Technological awareness: keeps abreast of available technology. Understands the applicability and limitations of technology. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate risks and shows willingness to learn about new technology.

Education 1. Applicants must, at the time of application, meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or,
• Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent), in the natural or social sciences, with an interest in environmental management, human interaction with the environment, and ideally with some exposure to human development and environmental impacts developing countries.

2. Demonstrate a strong interest in science, and how science can influence policy.

3. Exhibit good analytical and research skills.

4. Display strong aptitude in computer literacy – experience with website content management would be an asset.

5. Engender creativity and enthusiasm for work and new experiences.

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 is required.

Assessment Potential candidates will be contacted by a Hiring Manager directly for further consideration.

Special Notice Remote Internships during Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19):

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, applicants may be requested to undertake the internship remotely in view of the 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 of or the entirety of the internship. The work hours during the internship shall be determined based on individual discussions between the intern and their 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.

According to instructions from the United Nations Travel and Transportation Section, other than U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, only two types of visa status can be processed as follows:

• G-4 visa: For candidates outside the United States or who are no longer enrolled. G4 visa request processed by the EO.
• F-1 visa: For international students in the United States. Please note it is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure they can legally accept an internship with the UN.

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).

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

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.