UNDP Jobs - 62019- Internship with the Biodiversity Finance Initiativ

Internship with the Biodiversity Finance Initiative - BIOFIN

Location :

Istanbul, TURKEY

Type of Contract :

Internship

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

18-Dec-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Intern

Duration of Initial Contract :

estimated 01 February 2016 - 31 July 2016

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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

BIOFIN aims to develop a methodology for quantifying the biodiversity finance gap at national level, for improving cost-effectiveness through mainstreaming biodiversity into national development and sectoral planning, and for developing and implementing comprehensive national resource mobilising strategies. These methodologies are being piloted in 29 countries globally. For the participation countries, BIOFIN is developing a resource database on biodiversity finance, through research and compilation of key materials on environmental/biodiversity finance - relevant publications (books, articles, case studies, etc.), websites in different sectors and from other initiatives - to actively support the global methodological work and country piloting, which then will be made available through two global web platforms – BIOFIN and the NBSAP Forum, reaching out to between 29 and 150+ countries globally.

Duties and Responsibilities

The intern would be an integrated member of the global BIOFIN team. The main responsibility of the Intern will be to further develop the resource database on biodiversity finance and regular BIOFIN activities, through the following tasks:

Review and map existing resources from the BIOFIN team, UNDP experts, relevant websites and publications of related initiatives and define key resources for inclusion in the database in consultation with the BIOFIN team;
Develop the resource database further and integrate key resources into the BIOFIN and NBSAP Forum web platforms;
Review international best practises to identify case studies that can serve as examples for BIOFIN work;
Write stories and news articles on BIOFIN activities;
Support the BIOFIN Communication team by promoting and maintaining BIOFIN online communities updated (Website / Twitter / Facebook page) and track social media / website analytics;
Liaise with national BIOFIN teams to identify national level resources and obtain inputs for news stories and case studies;
Assist with the organisation and documentation of meetings / conferences and planning events such as BIOFIN regional and global workshops;
Other tasks as required to support the work of BIOFIN.

Competencies

Excellent verbal and written communication, organizational and analytic skills;
A well-organized individual with the ability to multi-task;
A team player: ability to work productively and effectively with others;
Excellent IT literacy and good understanding of web development;
Elevated drafting abilities;
Desire to work with and gain the confidence and respect of people with different language, national and cultural backgrounds;
Respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and the UNDP Statement of Purpose.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Enrolment in a degree programme in a graduate school (second university degree or higher) in fields such as Biology, Geography, Economics, Environmental Economics, Finance, Business Administration, Communication, ICT or other related fields.

Experience:

Previous related work experience in a national or an international entity would be an asset but is not required.
Experience in developing websites/programming or using social media channels is an asset.

Language skills:

Proficiency in written and spoken English;
Spanish, Russian, Portuguese or French language knowledge is an asset.

Learning:

The intern will develop a good overview of global biodiversity financing practises and a basic understanding of UNDP project management concepts.

Duration of the assignment:

The overall duration of the internship is 6 months, estimated start on 1 February 2016.

Application:

Please create one document which will contain both your CV and a brief cover letter. Upload this document into the appropriate section of the on-line application system.

Notes:

Candidates who are selected for must submit prior to the interview the following documents:

Official letter from the University confirming enrollment in a graduate-level degree programme;
Letter of endorsement from a faculty member who has worked with the student in the recent past and who is knowledgeable on the student’s performance;
Proof of medical and life/accident insurance valid for the location in which the internship will be carried out.

UNDP only accepts interns for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 6 months.
Interns are not financially remunerated by UNDP. The costs associated with the latter must be borne by the nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or by the student, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his or her own arrangements for travel, accommodation, etc.

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.