Background

The Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Network (BES-Net) is a capacity sharing network of networks that promote dialogue between science, policy and practice for more effective management of biodiversity and ecosystems, contributing to the long-term human well-being and sustainable development.

The network is supported by face-to-face capacity building activities (the BES-Net “Trialogues”), a matchmaking facility, and a cutting-edge web portal, all components being mutually reinforcing.

The BES-Net web portal provides a “one-stop shop” for policy-relevant information and learning material, guiding users through the existing sources of thematic information and methodological tools and providing access to learning material and policy briefs. It will promote dialogue around the same thematic areas in which IPBES assessments are being conducted, as well as in key areas of UNDP’s work on biodiversity and ecosystems management for development and provide interactive features for the members of the network to interact on specific policy questions.

The BES-Net Trialogues are multi-stakeholder dialogues focusing on specific policy questions at the national and regional levels. By facilitating fruitful discussions among the three BES-Net communities of policy, science and practice, the Trialogues will contribute to?addressing specific policy issues to help unlock shifts in the development trajectory of societies towards sustainability.

As a signature product of UNDP’s work in biodiversity and ecosystems, BES-Net harnesses its capacity building expertise at the country-level, capitalizes on the accumulated knowledge of best practices and challenges in the field, and brings practitioners into the science-policy arena.

In implementing its mandate, BES-Net is following an inclusive approach and collaborating with various partners.

The purpose of this internship is to assist the BES-Net team in managing the BES-Net web-portal, in preparing for the regional/national BES-Net Trialogues and in undertaking communication and networking activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Assist with of the management and moderation of the BES-Net web-portal

• Become familiar with the BES-Net project;
• Assist in uploading documents, videos, and social media content, etc.;
• Assist with the management of online collaboration tools;
• Assist with moderation of the website; and
• Testing the website and provide inputs in terms of user experience to further improve its usefulness.

Provide knowledge management support to BES-Net research on specific scientific themes (land degradation and restoration, pollinators pollination and food production, etc.) as they relate to biodiversity management;

• Research peer-reviewed scientific articles, grey literature, reports on best practices and experience learnt as well as videos and e-learning courses on given thematic areas and on cross-cutting areas in the field of biodiversity and ecosystem services;
• Organise the collected information to inform the BES-Net portal, which aims at providing a one-stop shop in the field of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
• Assist with the development of new material, including summary for policymakers, infographics, e-learning material and documents on best practices;
• In cooperation with Senior Knowledge Manager and Project Officer, prepare key facts section for the BES-Net portal;
• Upload entries in English, French and Spanish to the Bes-Net portal.

Support in liaising with potential partners for BES-Net and in communication activities

• Support the communication activities of BES-Net through the development of databases, dissemination material, contribution to share events on the social media and on the BES-Net portal, social network channels updates and contribute to newsletters;
• Assist in identifying potential partners and inviting/engaging them to/in the network;

Competencies

• Excellent organization skill;
• Detail orientation;
• Ability to organize and summarize scientific information with ease and accuracy;
• Works toward creative solutions by analysing problems carefully and logically;
• Ability to work both independently and in a team;
• Ability to acknowledge and respond constructively to the points of view of others.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

•  Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
•  Currently enrolled in a Master’s study in Environmental Science, or a field relevant to these terms of reference.

Experience:

• Experience in analysing and producing environmental science knowledge products
• Knowledge and experiences of website content management, online communication, networking and/or collaboration tools

Language:

• Strong verbal/written communication skills in English
•  Knowledge of another UN language(s) is beneficial

Other Requirements:

• This position is only open to intenational interns.
• The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya and will be supervised by the BES-Net Coordinator and the BES-Net Web Portal Support Officer.  
•  Interns are not financially remunerated by UNDP. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses  are the responsibility of the intern, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence through private sources.
• Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP and must provide a medical certificate of good health prior to starting the internship. UNDP will not reimburse the medical insurance of the intern. Any costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship assignment will be the responsibility of the intern. 
• Applicants for internships must show proof of valid medical insurance for the duty station in which they will intern. For applicants which are neither nationals or residents of the duty station, the insurance must include adequate coverage in the event of an injury or illness during the internship duration 
•   UNDP accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to personal effects that may occur during the internship.