UNDP Jobs - 55161- Environmental Law and Governance Internship

Environmental Law and Governance Internship

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

Internship

Starting Date :

20-Apr-2015

Application Deadline :

03-Apr-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Intern

Duration of Initial Contract :

3 months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

possibility for extension of up to 6 months

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The UNDP Global Environmental Finance (GEF) Unit supports UNDP Country Offices in the implementation of the UNDP Strategic Plan by partnering with global environmental vertical funds and other donors to catalyze environmental finance for sustainable development. The principal environmental vertical funds that UNDP partners with are those managed by the GEF. These are the Global Environment Facility Trust Fund (GEF TF); the Nagoya Protocol Implementation Fund (NPIF); the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF); and the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF). In addition to these funds, UNDP also partners with the Adaptation Fund (AF) and it has applied for accreditation as an implementing entity to the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

The Environmental Policy and Legal Specialist provides support to senior management in UNDP and represents it on key policy, governance and legal issues relevant to the work of UNDP-GEF. This includes work on environmental governance issues at the national, regional and international levels, as well as targeted support on environmental law to projects and programs funded by the global environmental funds that UNDP partners with. There is an opportunity for an intern to support the work of the Environmental Policy and Legal Specialist and gain experience working in UNDP.

Duties and Responsibilities

The main duties that the intern will be expected to carry out are:

Assist the Environmental Policy and Legal Specialist in reviewing and summarizing key documents relevant to governing body meetings of the Green Climate Fund, the Global Environment Facility and/or the Adaptation Fund;
Assist the Environmental Policy and Legal Specialist in provision of legal and governance technical support to select projects as necessary;
Conduct an internal stocktaking and review of UNDP programming concerning environmental law generally, and assist the Environmental Policy and Legal Specialist in drafting a summary report;
Assist in researching and co-drafting one or more articles on sustainable development law relevant to UNDP's work. The final topic(s) is to be discussed and agreed with the intern.

Institutional Arrangements:

Internship duration

Three to six months and flexible part-time or full-time arrangements possible.

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, and 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 in UNDP is not to lead to further employment with UNDP but to complement the 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 or consultancies during the period of internship.

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.

Competencies

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

Required Skills and Experience

Education

Enrollment in a graduate-level degree program in environmental law or related field.

Experience

Demonstrated interest in the field of sustainable development and environmental law;
Developing country experience particularly useful;
Strong technical knowledge of environmental law and governance issues.

Languages

Written and spoken proficiency in English;
Written and spoken proficiency in French and/or Spanish desired.

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

copy of the applicant’s most recent resume or curriculum vitae;
letter from his/her university confirming current enrollment and graduation date;
letter of recommendation from a professor;
copy of his/her school transcript;
copy of passport;
completed UNDP internship application form (to be provided upon selection);
signed UNDP Internship Agreement (to be provided upon selection);
Medical Certificate of Good Health (to be provided upon selection);
Proof of medical insurance (to be provided upon selection).

Kindly note the above documentation is required within one week after selection.