UNDP Jobs - 63550- Intern for Climate Change Mitigation (RSCA)

Intern for Climate Change Mitigation (RSCA)

Location :

Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA

Type of Contract :

Internship

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

06-Mar-16 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Intern

Duration of Initial Contract :

3 months (June to August 2016)

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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

UNDP’s overarching vision is to help countries achieve the simultaneous eradication of poverty and significant reduction of inequalities and exclusion. The UNDP Strategic Plan 2014-2017 identifies three priority areas of work: sustainable development pathways, inclusive and effective democratic governance, and resilience. The objective of the UNDP Global Environmental Finance (UNDP-GEF) unit, which falls under the Sustainable Development cluster, is to assist countries to access environmental finance for sustainable development. Within the UNDP-GEF unit, the sustainable energy team focuses primarily on promoting access to clean and affordable energy services and promoting low emission and climate resilient urban and transport infrastructure.

Currently, there are 620 million people without access to electricity in Africa. In many countries on the continent, fewer than half of urban dwellers have electricity access, and in rural areas the proportion of people connected to a power grid is sharply lower. There is tremendous potential for decentralized, distributed renewable energy generation, such as mini-grids, in Africa. It is projected that renewable energy will grow from 5% of total power production in 2014 to 22% in 2030, with the majority being solar. Another important phenomenon is the rapid pace of urbanization in many countries across the continent, which can lead to congestion and strain infrastructure, lowering productivity. UNDP seeks to play an important role in bringing about an energy market transformation and contributing to sustainable cities.

UNDP is an accredited implementing entity for the Global Environment Facility and Green Climate Fund, among other environmental vertical funds. UNDP helps countries develop and implement programmes and projects with global environmental benefits, such as GHG emissions reduction, and adaptation benefits for the purpose of sustainable development.

In the context of the above, the UNDP-GEF team is currently interested in hosting an intern to support the team’s planned activities in 2016. The internship will take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where the UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa is based.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objective of assignment

The intern, under the supervision of the Regional Technical Advisor for Climate Change Mitigation, will support UNDP-GEF’s project development work on (a) access to clean and affordable energy services and (b) sustainable cities as per the Scope of Work below.

Scope of work

The intern will:

Undertake research in support of programmes/projects developed by the UNDP-GEF team. This includes baseline data collection, baseline projects, barrier analysis, risk assessment, and proposing potential project interventions that are in line with national priorities;
Support Regional Technical Advisors with annual project reviews, including compiling critical information on project results and impacts;
Undertake monitoring visits to projects, including supporting monitoring of project results and reporting;
Prepare case studies for UNDP-GEF publications, including global newsletters, brochures and other communication materials.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to receive / integrate feedback;
Works collaboratively with team members by sharing information openly and displaying cultural awareness and sensitivity;
Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external partners;
Positive and results-oriented attitude.

Technical / Functional Competencies:

Excellent ICT skills;
Good writing and researching skills;
Good knowledge of social medias;
Strong analytical aptitude, communication and presentation skills;
Good organizational, time management and strong interpersonal skills;
Ability to work flexibly and meet tight deadlines;
Attention to details and proven ability to work independently and effectively.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Enrolled in a (post) degree programme (in economics, energy, public or business administration, law, environmental studies or climate change) in a graduate school (second university degree) at the time of application and during the internship (if a candidate is graduating before the internship period begins, they are no longer eligible) or;
Have completed at least four years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of a degree, if pursuing their studies in countries where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages;
Not have graduated prior to the beginning of the internship.

Experience:

Understanding of ICT tools including SPSS, S-Plus and R experience would be an added advantagel;
Demonstrated keen interest in the work of the UN, and of UNDP in particular, and have a personal commitment to UNDP's Statement of Purpose and to the ideals of the UN Charter;
Demonstrated the 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;
Demonstrated interest in the field of development.

Language:

Proficiency in English;
Knowledge of French would be an asset.

Intern requiements:

Applicants should indicate which months they are available part- and/or full time and when they complete their studies;
UNDP internship programme does not provide a salary or remuneration for the internship;
All the expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring Government or institution;
UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
The intern is responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed;
Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship or for six months immediately following the expiration date of internship;
The intern must provide proof of enrollment in health insurance plan;
Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity;
Only those students who will return to their studies upon completion of their internship assignments are eligible.