UNDP Jobs - 81612- INTERN – Climate Policy and Knowledge Management

INTERN – Climate Policy and Knowledge Management

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

Internship

Starting Date :

31-Oct-2018

Application Deadline :

22-Oct-18 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Intern

Duration of Initial Contract :

4 months (negotiable, possible extension to 6 months)

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

4 months (negotiable, possible extension to 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

UNDP is the largest implementing partner on climate action in the UN System, currently supporting over 140 countries with a portfolio of over US$3 billion in programming. UNDP works directly with countries on developing and implementing their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the pledge made by parties to the Paris Agreement of limiting global average temperature increase below 2oC and pursuing efforts to below 1.5 oC. Given the urgency needed for scalable and transformational climate action, UNDP is working jointing with other UN agencies and key partners to support countries to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement through:

Accelerating implementation of current NDCs through addressing key barriers and turning their targets into tangible and achievable actions.
Enhancing climate targets for more ambitious next generation NDCs, through targets high-level engagement, underpinned by evidence-based technical support and advocacy
Mobilizing society to both contribute to and call for climate action to meet NDC targets.

In 2020, Parties to the UNFCCC will be presenting new/revised NDCs where they will define the level of ambition they aim to achieve for the next years. Thus, the UN SG is convening a Climate Summit in September 2019 brining world’s leaders and key stakeholders to demonstrate progress achieved and share their cost-effective solutions to tackle climate change; thus making an irrefutable case for more ambition by all parties in 2020. UNDP has been actively engaged and supporting the SG in his efforts and commitment to put climate change on top of his international agenda, claiming that it is the “absolute priority” of the UN system.

Duties and Responsibilities

Contributing to the overall UNDP engagement in the NDC support to countries and in the preparation leading up to the Climate Summit, the intern is expected to perform the following tasks:

Analyse and synthesize latest research papers, studies, and major reports on climate change
Take stock of latest results, toolkits and knowledge products on climate change support by UNDP at HQ, regional and country level
Support the organisation of key events and meetings leading up to the Climate Summit including COP24
Assist with research, data analysis and writing for discussions on UNDP knowledge networks
Assist with compiling communications materials for advocacy and outreach, including on UNDP’s public website and social media platforms
Assist with the preparation and analysis of charts, briefing notes, etc. to support corporate briefing and reporting processes

Competencies

Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN's values and ethical standards;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Strong organizational, reporting and writing abilities;
Results driven, able to meet targets/deadlines;
Capacity to plan, prioritize and deliver tasks on time;
Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback;
Self-starter and organized;
Able to multitask and balance multiple responsibilities.

Required Skills and Experience

UNDP may accept interns providing the following conditions are met:

Enrolled in a master’s programme in the areas of climate change, disaster risk management, energy, sustainable development or related field in a graduate school (second university degree or higher) 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
Pursuing their university studies, having 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.
Other experience and skills required:
Good writing and oral presentation skills, as well as strong analytical capacity.
Good organizational, time management and interpersonal skills.
Computer proficiency: excellent command of MS Office. Advanced knowledge of Excel and/Power BI is an asset
Language: Fluent in English
In case an applicant is successfully selected, s/he will be requested to provide electronic versions of:
Copy of the applicant’s most recent resume or curriculum vitae;
Letter from his/her university confirming current enrollment and graduation date;
Letter of recommendation from a professor;
Copy of his/her school transcript;
Copy of passport;
Completed UNDP internship application form (to be provided upon selection);
Signed UNDP Internship Agreement (to be provided upon selection);
Medical Certificate of Good Health (to be provided upon selection);
Proof of medical insurance (to be provided upon selection).
Kindly note the above documentation is required within one week after selection.
Important Notes:
Interns’ Expenses
Interns are not financially remunerated by UNDP. All costs connected with an intern's participation in the programme must be borne by the nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or the student, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his/her own arrangements for travel (including to and from the office), visas, accommodation, etc.
Insurance
UNDP accepts no responsibility for the medical and life insurance of the intern or costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship. As interns are not covered under any insurance, including MAIP, and they should not travel to hazardous locations in the course of their internship with UNDP. Applicants for internship must show proof of valid medical and life/accident insurance for the duty station for which they will work. It must include adequate coverage in the event of an injury or illness during the internship which requires transportation to the Home Country or Country of Residence for further treatment; or results in death and requires preparation and return of the remains to the Home Country, or Country of Residence.
Subsequent Employment
The purpose of the Internship Programme in UNDP is not to lead to further employment with UNDP but to complement the intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship. Should an offer of employment be envisaged, a 3-month break, from the end of the internship, must be respected. Interns cannot apply for posts or consultancies during the period of internship.
Third-party claims
UNDP is not responsible for any claims by any parties where the loss of or damage to their property, death or personal injury was caused by the actions or omission of action by the interns during their internship.