Background

The EU-NGOs Project “Strengthening Environmental Governance by Building the Capacity of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)” is a global project funded by the European Union (EU), and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to promote sustainable development and improve environmental management in target countries from neighborhood regions of the European Union, through more effective civil society participation in environmental governance. Scheduled to take place over four years (2012-2016), the EU-NGOs Project has been designed to significantly improve the capacities of NGOs to engage in environmental governance.

The project is being delivered through the GEF Small Grants Programme, and is currently under implementation in twelve countries. The project started its first phase in 2013 in eight countries (Armenia, Belarus, Ukraine, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, occupied Palestinian territory, and Tunisia). Four additional countries (Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Morocco) joined the second phase of the project in 2014.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Intern will primarily be involved in the development of various knowledge products related to the EU-NGOs Project. S/he will report directly to the Global Technical Advisor of the Green Low Emission and Climate Resilient Development Strategies Team, and will work closely with the EU-NGOs Project Manager.

Under guidance by the GTA and EU-NGOs Project Manager, the main tasks of the Intern include the following:

  • Assist with development of various knowledge products for the EU-NGOs Project, including but not limited to Newsletters, and Project Briefs for community-based projects and promote the stimulation of exchange of information and experiences within and among the participating countries;
  • Support with case study development from EU-NGOs participating countries;
  • Conduct research on community-based related themes; including environmental governance at the local and national levels;
  • Assist with social media outreach and information dissemination-related activities;
  • Other tasks as agreed beforehand with the supervisor.

Competencies

  • Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN's values and ethical standards;
  • Results driven, able to meet targets/deadlines;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Treats all people fairly without favouritism;
  • Strong organizational, reporting and writing abilities;
  • Capacity to plan, prioritize and deliver tasks on time;
  • Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Current enrollment in a graduate-level degree programme in environmental studies or related fields.

Experience:

  • Strong communication and research skills;
  • Excellent computer literacy skills;
  • Experience with MS Publisher;
  • Ability to write leaflets, brochures, newsletters, as needed;
  • Good knowledge of biodiversity, land degradation, climate change and development.

Language:

  • Written and spoken proficiency in English;
  • Written and spoken proficiency in French.

Interns’ Expenses:

Interns are not financially remunerated by UNDP. All costs connected with an intern's participation in the Programme must be borne by:

  • The nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or
  • The student, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his/her own arrangements for travel (including to and from the office), visas, accommodation, etc.

Insurance

UNDP accepts no responsibility for the medical and life insurance of the intern or costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship. As interns are not covered under any insurance, including MAIP, they should not travel to hazardous locations in the course of their internship with UNDP.

Applicants for internship must show proof of valid medical and life/accident insurance for the duty station for which they will work. It must include adequate coverage in the event of an injury or illness during the internship which requires transportation to the Home Country or Country of Residence for further treatment; or results in death and requires preparation and return of the remains to the Home Country, or Country of Residence.

Subsequent Employment

The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNDP but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship. Should an offer of employment be envisaged, a 3-month break, from the end of the internship, must be respected. Interns cannot apply for posts during the period of internship.

If an applicant is successfully selected, s/he will be requested to provide electronic versions of:

  • A copy of his/her most recent resume or curriculum vitae;
  • A duly completed “UNDP internship application form” (to be provided upon selection);
  • A letter from his/her University confirming current enrollment and graduation date;
  • A copy of his/her school transcript;
  • Copy of his/her insurance coverage;
  • A Medical Certificate of Good Health;
  • A letter of endorsement from a senior faculty member who has directly supervised her/him in the recent past and who is fully acquainted with her/his performance; and
  • A brief paper setting out the reasons why s/he is seeking an internship with UNDP and what is expected from the experience.

Please only apply if you know that you can have the above documentation available within one week after selection.

Third-party claims

UNDP is not responsible for any claims by any parties where the loss of or damage to their property, death or personal injury was caused by the actions or omission of action by the interns during their internship.

Clarifications

Candidates intereseted in this internship may contact Ms. Diana Salvemini and Mr. Michael Campbell for any clarification on the process at the following addresses:  diana.salvemini@undp.org, and michael.campbell@undp.org.