United Nations Internships for University Students and Fresh Graduates in Kenya 2019

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Posting Title: INTERN – PROGRAMME SUPPORT, I (Temporary Job Opening)
Job Code Title: INTERN – ENVIRONMENT AFFAIRS
Department/Office: United Nations Environment Programme
Duty Station: NAIROBI
Posting Period: 17 July 2019 – 31 July 2019
Job Opening Number: 19-Environmental Affairs-UNEP-120054-J-Nairobi (O)
Staffing Exercise N/A

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

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. 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. UNEP’s Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition.

The UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030 was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as resolution A/RES/73/284 on 1 March 2019, following the invitation to the General Assembly by the Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity at its fourteenth meeting, in its decisions 14/30. The UNGA invited the United Nations Environment Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to lead the implementation of the Decade, in collaboration with the secretariats of the Rio Conventions, other relevant multilateral environmental agreements and entities of the United Nations system, including identifying and developing possible activities and programmes, within their mandates and existing resources and through voluntary contributions, as appropriate.

This Internship position is located at the UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi, with the intended purpose of assisting the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration team in carrying out it’s implementation. The internship is for a minimum of three (3) months and depending on the needs of the assigned Office, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of six (6) months. 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.

The Internship is UNPAID and full-time

Responsibilities

While the specific details of the internship will vary according to needs of the UN Decade team, it is expected that his/her responsibilities fall within one or several of the following broad activities:

• Carry out research and analysis from diverse sources and organize and prepare written outputs for draft background papers to support the implementation of the UN Decade;

• Support communication activities (e.g. draft stories for social media, contribution to Freshwater, Land and Climate Branch newsletter);

• Map internal UNEP activities on ecosystems restoration;

• Establish a contact database for the UN Decade;

• Assist with the organisation of internal and external meetings and outreach events, supporting the implementation of the UN Decade, developing necessary background materials, sourcing appropriate speakers and report writing;

• Undertake any other routine duties as may be required from time to time.

Competencies

Communication: Good report writing skills. 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. Has demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand as well as be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills. 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 supervisor 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). Enrollment in a graduation programme focused on (environmental) economics, finance, business administration or natural resource management; OR

(b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); OR

(c) Have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation;

• Final year students or academic background focused on Environmental Forestry, Environmental Management or related field preferred;

• Be computer literate in standard software applications;

• Possess good analytical report writing skills;

• Have a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and has a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN 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

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

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the Internship advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of other UN official language is desirable (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat).

Assessment

Potential candidates will be contacted by a 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 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.

Click here to apply