Background

UNDP is currently working in various areas concerning sustainable development, from systems and institutional strengthening to inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods, as well as sustainable energy, environment, and resilience. The Energy, Environment and Resilience (EER) Unit at UNDP is organized around the thematic areas of climate change adaptation and mitigation; natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, disaster management and resilience, and access to clean and efficient energy.

While India is on track to achieve some of its NDC targets on emission intensity and non-fossil fuel-based energy installations, there remain significant bottlenecks such as lack of cutting-edge climate technology for the transition to low carbon pathways; and for innovative and inclusive solutions for building adaptive capacity of vulnerable communities to cope with climate change. To this end, UNDP is implementing a project, funded by the Japan Supplementary Budget (JSB). The Net Zero emissions project aims to support transition to a low carbon economy, to support sustainable and inclusive development, to identify and create livelihood provisions (and green jobs) and to build climate resilience of the vulnerable communities. In India, the project will undertake strategic, sector-specific interventions in 10 states, including Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand and Sikkim.

The Biodiversity and Ecosystem Restoration programme of UNDP is supporting the Government of India in meeting national development objectives along with commitments under important multilateral environment agreements especially the Convention on Biological Diversity. The technical and policy support provided by the programme focus on institutional strengthening and building capacities to utilize natural resources in a sustainable way, while increasing resilience to climate variability and associated risks and impacts.

UNDP seeks to engage an Environmental & Legal Research Intern to provide support to the climate adaptation natural resource management teams through background research and documentation on legal and policy work. The Intern will report to the Head, Climate Adaptation, Natural Resources and Biodiversity, UNDP India, and shall be closely working with the other team members.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance Head, Climate Adaptation, Natural Resource and Biodiversity, UNDP India, the intern is expected to:

? Support the project teams in undertaking in-depth research and documentation, developing concept notes and communication materials on cross-cutting matters related to climate adaptation and biodiversity conservation, especially focusing around the policy level work .

? Participate in and contribute to preparation, conduct and follow-up of meetings, workshops and consultations as needed by engaging with relevant stakeholders including governments, communities and donors.

? Support documentation of agendas and minutes of key workshops and consultation meetings.

? Contribute towards furthering the priorities of UNDP and Government of India towards international commitments such as UNFCCC, UNCCD and CBD within the purview of the project.

? Any other tasks and responsibilities related to the project assigned by UNDP. 

Competencies

• Strong sense of collaborative work, excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Keen attention to detail;
• Excellent designing skills;
• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise;
• Is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda;

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

(a) Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree/diploma programme in law, political science, public policy, environmental law, or a related field;

(b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, public policy, environmental law, or a related field;

(c) Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.

Skills:

• Experience in research and documentation on legal and policy level matters.
• Basic understanding of issues pertaining to climate adaptation, natural resource management, and biodiversity conservation
• Research experience on gender-related issues will be additionally desirable.
• Good team player and ability to adapt to change in work environment

Languages:

• Fluency in English, while understanding of Hindi is desirable

Application procedure:

The application should contain:

• The completed “Application Form” provided in the link, which requires names of 3 referees.
• Current and complete CV in English.

Please group all your documents into one (1) single PDF document as the system only allows to upload maximum one document. Candidates who are selected must submit the following documents, upon selection:

Official letter from the University confirming enrollment in their undergraduate or graduate-level degree programme;

Proof of medical and life/accident insurance valid for the location in which the internship will be carried out. Selected intern must have medical and life insurance.

Kindly note, UNDP only accepts interns for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 6 months.

IMPORTANT:

Family relationships are required to be disclosed in order to avoid real or perceived family influence or conflict of interest, within UNDP. If the candidate/ hiring manager has not disclosed that he/she was related to an individual employed by UNDP in whatever contractual modality and irrespective of the nature of the family relationship, this may constitute a basis for withdrawing the offer of internship or, if the internship has started, to terminate it without notice or indemnity.

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 be required to undergo rigorous reference and background checks.