The UN Secretary General’s Sustainable Energy For All Initiative was launched in 2011 and aims at achieving three main objectives by 2030: (a) ensure universal access to energy, (b) double the share of renewable energy in global energy mix and (c) double the rate of improvement in energy efficiency. Since its launch, more than 60 Governments from around the world have formally engaged with the Initiative.

At the Rio+20 Summit, businesses and investors have committed to achieve the initiative's objectives. Similar commitments have also been made by other key stakeholders – governments, multilateral development banks, and international and civil society organizations – to catalyze action in support of the initiative.

Many of the energy challenges in Europe and Commonwealth of Independent States (ECIS) are similar to those in other regions yet others are unique and specific to the climatic, economic, environmental and political circumstances in the ECIS region. Because of its location and climate condition, access to affordable, reliable and environmentally sustainable heating is a key socio-economic development issue in the region. Fuel poverty is widespread across the region with some households spending up to 50% of their income on heating cost. The quality of social services is severely affected due to malfunctioning heating systems. Moreover, energy-related operating costs of social infrastructure squeeze out new investments for social development. Soaring fuel prices have made millions of people turn en mass to use biofuels and in particular firewood causing large-scale deforestation and environmental degradation. Unlike in other regions where UNDP operates, the need for sustainable heating is a unique challenge in Europe and CIS because it literally concerns each and every country and citizen. In terms of renewable energy the ECIS region has a tremendous untapped potential. The regional (ECIS) SE4ALL was initiated in late 2012 and is currently looking into ways to work on the Energy issues in the region together with governments and UNDP Country Offices.

Would you like to be part of this unique process spinning-off from the UN Secretary General’s Initiative of SE4ALL?

Your activities would mainly cover the following:

• Collect and analyze information/data about (but not restricted to): energy access/security, energy efficiency, and renewable energy, but also sustainable development and green economy in general.
• Assist manager in the conceptualization, development, and compilation of a synthesis report with a regional (ECIS) perspective on SE4ALL and its three goals.
• Assist with preparation of progress documents concerning SE4ALL in the region and other related activities such as communication with UNDP Country Offices.
•  Other as requested by manager.

When and where would you work?

• The Intern is expected to be in the office full time – 40 hours a week
• UNDP BRC premises in Bratislava with the Energy & Environment Practice (arrangements for limited home-based work negotiable)

If you decide to join us, you will have a great opportunity to learn about sustainable development/energy work and its governance, and follow the current developments in the ECIS Region, in the context of SE4ALL. Moreover, you will be able to witness how the Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Energy arenas are shaping up in a post-Rio+20 world.

• An individual with strong analytical, data processing, and excellent drafting skills.
• A well organized individual with the ability to multi-task.
• A team player: ability to work productively and effectively with others, and contribute effectively towards team goals.
• IT literacy (skills in word and excel strongly required, SPSS and other statistical tools desirable.

Education: 

• Enrollment in a degree programme in a graduate school (second University degree or higher) preferably with specialized certification in Environmental Science / Engineering specializing in Energy, Energy Policy & Management, Energy Governance.

Experience: 

• Prior working experience is welcomed but not necessary.
  

Language Requirements: 

• Proficient knowledge of English.
  

Application procedures:

Qualified candidates interested in the Internship have to be registered in online database through http://europeandcis.undp.org/home/?event=public.internshipApplyForm stating "SE4ALL" as field of interest. Candidates not registered in the database will not be further considered. Deadline to submit an application is 18 February 2013.

Important note: Internships within the UN system are unpaid and subject to conditions the applicant must get familiar with prior to signing his/her internship agreement.

Conditions of Internship at UNDP Bratislava Regional Centre and full ToR can be found at http://europeandcis.undp.org/aboutus/show/71CB399C-F203-1EE9-B8C602C91DE01340.