Intern - Environment Affairs

Job Title: INTERN - ENVIRONMENT AFFAIRS, I

Department/ Office: United Nations Environment Programme

Duty Station: NAIROBI

Posting Period: 30 May 2013-14 June 2013

Job Opening number: 13-ENV-UNEP-28426-R-NAIROBI (O) United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

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Organizational 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 UNEP - DEWA internship is for 3 months with an opportunity for extension, pending on the needs of the department.

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

Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual's background; the intern's assigned office as well as the internship period. Duties may include, but are not limited to:

1.Provide support to the management of the GEF Cross Cutting Capacity Development portfolio

• The intern will work closely with L. Coppens for management of the GEF-CCCD portfolio, allowing him/her to gain insight in the proceedings of the GEF. His/her contribution will involve the following tasks:
• Review and comment on draft Project Initiation Forms and draft project documents
• Provide initial drafts of SSFAs for consultants, and with countries, to be finalized by the supervisor
• Participate in meetings on GEF portfolio, take note of the discussions, and prepare the minutes.

2. Provide support to the implementation of the Morocco - Support to Regional and National Observatories project

• The intern working closely with T. Oliveira and L. Coppens, experiencing first-hand different aspects of the implementation of a project, and the principles of capacity development by assisting country agencies in the process of developing an Environment Outlook report, the role of partners, and reporting and evaluation.
• Prepare initial drafts of documents related to the implementation of the project
• Participate in meetings on the project in Nairobi, take note of the discussions, and prepare the minutes.
• Assist with the preparation of progress reporting and identify lessons learned.

Competencies

Core 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 & 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 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 be enrolled in a degree programme in a graduate school (second university degree or higher); or if pursuing their studies in countries where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages, have completed at least four years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of a 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; and
• 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.
• Studies in Environment or Development is required.

Work Experience

• Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme.

Languages

• Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment Method

• 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) through the UN careers Portal. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. In your Personal History Profile (PHP), be sure to include all past work experiences, IT Skills, and three references.

2.An accompanying letter (cover note) that includes; Title of degree you are currently studying, Graduation date (when you will be graduating from the programme), List the IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in using, and Explain why you are the best candidate for the internship and what you hope to gain from the internship.

3. A letter from your university clearly indicating the status of your enrolment, what programme you are enrolled in and the anticipated date of graduation from the programme.

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

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

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.