Work Location

Washington, DC

Expected duration

3-6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Director and/or the Program Management Officer, the intern will support the office in its work to engage North American governments and other stakeholders in UNEP’s work to address the triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution (especially plastic pollution). More specifically, the intern will: • Support the North America Office by undertaking research, analysis and drafting of background notes and briefing notes or reviewing regional reports to be submitted to headquarters. • Support the implementation of UNEP’s Programme of Work and Medium-Term Strategy in the region, including preparations for key environmental negotiations, including on issues such as plastics pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss • Monitor relevant political developments within the region of interest to UNEP and conduct research to support the development of policy briefs as well as support the preparation of communications pieces for outreach and advocacy purposes. • Attend meetings, presentations, and hearings; conduct research; and compile, summarize, and present relevant information to supervisor and other colleagues. • Draft short reports, memos, briefs, correspondence, and other written materials in support of the areas of work. • Assist in the organization of workshops, internal and external meetings and outreach events, developing necessary background materials, and report writing. • Support outreach to partners, governments, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and other relevant stakeholders. • Participate in group discussions and contribute insights, ideas, and feedback on topics and issues. • Provide additional support as needed.

Qualifications/special skills

Applicants must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements: (a) Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or, (b) Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent). Be computer literate in standard software applications.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required; Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage. 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.

Additional Information

Not available.

Intern Specific text

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. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

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.