UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Biodiversity Finance Initiative – BIOFIN – was developed to provide a comprehensive methodology for governments to: 1) review the existing policy context, 2) measure expenditure levels for biodiversity, 3) calculate future financial needs and 4) design strategic plans to deploy the right mix of finance solutions, tailored to the country context.

BIOFIN Phase I (2012-2018) enabled full assessments and initial implementation of finance plan elements in target countries. Based on lessons learned, a new and comprehensive version of the BIOFIN Methodology was developed. Significant scaling up of finance solutions is required in all countries to address the biodiversity finance challenge.

BIOFIN Phase II (2018-2025) supports countries to implement Biodiversity Finance Plans and finance solutions to achieve tangible finance results (generating revenue, efficient spending, greening budgets). The intervention is tailored to accelerate implementation of the emerging CBD Post-2020 Framework and deal with the impacts of COVID-19, reducing the risk of similar pandemics.  See www.biodiversityfinance.org for further information

The intern would be an integrated member of the BIOFIN global team. The main responsibility of the intern will be to support the global team in their technical, management and communication activities, through the following tasks:

• Research, collect, analyse and present the work BIOFIN has been doing in its 38 core countries.
• Review international best practices to identify case studies of nature-based finance solutions that can serve as examples for BIOFIN work.
• Further elaborate the BIOFIN financing solutions database with new entries and develop guidance materials on financing solutions for BIOFIN teams in different countries.
• Contribute developing knowledge products on cross country analysis, financing solutions for biodiversity conservation.
• Synthesize and summarize research outcomes and lessons learned into formats tailored to BIOFIN thematic activities.
• Support the organization of events, webinars, meetings, regional calls; assist maintaining the documentation of meetings.
• Assist in boosting BIOFIN presence in digital and social media; provide assistance as required in the maintenance of the BIOFIN digital media accounts including Website, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn etc.
• Monitor, analyse and synthesize the developments, press clippings and reports of BIOFIN, and maintain a database of BIOFIN news coverage and update it regularly.
• Support other/ad hoc activities as seen relevant and needed.

• Demonstrates intellectual curiosity and deep desire to learn biodiversity finance activities.
• Demonstrates excellent research skills, verbal and written communication, organizational skills,
• Desire to work with and gain the confidence and respect of people with different language, national and cultural backgrounds,
• Be a well-organized individual with the ability to multi-task,
• Be a team player with ability to work productively and effectively with others,
• Respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and the UNDP Statement of Purpose.

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

1. Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
2. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent);
3. Have graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) in a degree programme in relevant discipline such as Biology, Geography, Economics, Environmental Economics, Finance, Business and Public Administration, Development Studies, Natural Resource Management, Communication or Engineering or other related fields, and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.

Experience:

1. Previous related work experience in a national or an international entity would be an asset.
2. Experience in related finance area is an asset.
3. Familiarity with social media platforms or digital media channels is an asset.

Language skills:

1. Proficiency in written and spoken English is required.
2. Fluency and/or knowledge in an additional UN language is an asset.

Learning: 

1. The intern will develop a good overview of global biodiversity financing practices and a basic understanding of UNDP project management concepts. 
2. Enhance a portfolio of skills both in operational and managerial (organization, coordination, analysis and independent thinking).
3. Expose in the multi-cultural working environment with different stakeholders, peers, actors in biodiversity finance

Notes:

Financial Issues

Internships within the UN system are subject to conditions the applicant must get familiar with before signing his/her internship agreement. 

Starting from January 2020 interns may receive stipends according to UN rules and regulations. Where an intern is financially supported by an institution, government or third party, UNDP will, subject to the rules of such institution, government or third party, pay the intern the difference, if any, between the external financial support provided and the applicable UNDP stipend.

Any further costs associated with the internship must be borne by the nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or by the student, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his or her arrangements for travel, accommodation and other costs. 

Application procedure

The application should contain:

·       Brief Cover Letter (in English) stating interest in and qualifications for the post;

·       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 for must submit prior to the interview the following documents:

·       Official document(s) confirming your education status stated in Section 4;

·       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.

Conditions:

UNDP only accepts interns for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 6 months.
UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship.
Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.
It is important to note that interns are responsible to arrange for their own visa and residence documents, and need to plan for these well in advance.

Subsequent Employment

The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNDP but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship. It is important to note that interns are responsible to arrange for their own visa and residence documents, and need to plan for these well in advance.

More information available at: http://www.eurasia.undp.org/content/rbec/en/home/about_us/jobs/internships/