UNDP Jobs - 24272- Internship - Regional Environment Project

Internship - Regional Environment Project

Location :

Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA

Type of Contract :

Internship

Starting Date :

25-Jul-2011

Application Deadline :

11-Jul-11 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Intern

Duration of Initial Contract :

6 months

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

The regional environment project on the Management of Environmental Services and Financing for Sustainable Development aims to bring to the attention of African governments, the private sector and other key regional and national stakeholders, the urgent need to find sustainable ways to restore and manage natural ecosystems, while also, establishing enabling conditions for countries to access environmental finance from emerging carbon/environmental finance markets. The regional environment project has the following 5 main outputs:

African Countries informed, prepared and effectively participate in climate change negotiations.
Sub-regional mechanisms for managing shared environmental resources developed, and linkages to development and economic benefits strengthened.
Capacities of Designated National Authorities (DNA) strengthened, and Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects in the pipeline or under development.
Capacities of key ministries, private sector, public utilities and local communities strengthened to actively promote and participate in Payment for Environmental Services (PES) using existing PES pilots as a basis for determining areas for capacity strengthening and for addressing constraints.
Harness, manage and disseminate knowledge in the region on climate change, payment for environmental services, shared environmental resources and the clean development mechanism through establishing and strengthening knowledge networks and information sharing platforms.

Objective of the Internship

The objective of the internship is to provide technical, strategic and administrative support to assist with the implementation of the regional environment project (REP). The intern will provide support towards the implementation of output 1 on “African Countries informed, prepared and effectively participate in climate change negotiations,” and output 3 on “Capacities of Designated National Authorities (DNA) strengthened, with CDM projects in the pipeline or under development.” In addition the intern will also provide support on the regional component of phase II of the CDM capacity building project for sub-Saharan Africa. This internship will allow the successful candidate to have the opportunity to work in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural international organization.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope/Tasks and Outputs

The intern will focus on providing support to the regional environment project team to assist with the following planned activities:

Formulation of Low Emission Climate Resilient Development Strategies in West and Central Africa:

Undertake analysis in 4 countries in West and Central Africa.
Strengthen understanding of regional organizations (ECOWAS, COMIFAC, BOAD, ECCAS) on mechanisms to access conventional and innovative sources of climate financing.

Develop capacities of DNAs in SSA in collaboration with regional partners:

Promote the development CDM projects.
Facilitate exchange tours and study visits among DNAs.
Operationalise a web-based information and knowledge management platform (Teamworks).
Contribute to the development of a renewable energy policy.

Showcase UNDP best practices at COP17 in Durban, South Africa.

Develop case studies on country experiences on climate change response strategies.

Support the regional coordination activities and the regional component of the CDM capacity building project for sub-Saharan Africa (e.g. technical workshops, knowledge products, etc).

Competencies

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Works toward creative solutions by analyzing problems carefully and logically.
Sets priorities, produces quality outputs, meets deadlines and manages time efficiently.
In depth understanding of development trends and needs of sub-Saharan Africa, in particular in the area of poverty, environment and natural resource management; and governance

Knowledge and Advisory Services

Demonstrates sufficient technical knowledge to perform effectively in own specialty

Team and Partnership Building

Anticipates evolving client needs.
Writes clearly and convincingly.
Practices attentive and active listening.
Acknowledges and responds constructively to the points of view of others.

Core Values and Corporate Commitment

Communicates effectively and respectfully with individuals of a different culture, races, gender, religion, nationality and age.

Required Skills and Experience

Enrolment:

Enrolled in a masters/PhD programme in a graduate school at the time of application and during the internship (if a candidate is graduating before the internship period begins, they are no longer eligible).

Skills:

Undergraduate degree / Masters degree in natural resources management/economics, environmental economics, environmental management or a closely related field.
Technical knowledge of climate change, particularly mitigation, CDM rules, modalities and methodologies, mitigation project-types, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, fuel-switching, waste management, fugitive emissions, transport and forestry.
Proven record in the writing of research papers, reports and publications.
Experience of working with government agencies, NGOs, Civil Society, communities and other stake-holders.
Previous work experience in sub-Saharan Africa.
Proficiency in English required. Fluency in French is an asset.
Computer literate in standard software applications.

Reporting:

The Intern will report to the Project Manager of the UNDP regional project “Management of Environmental Services and Financing for Sustainable Development” at the UNDP Regional Service Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.