The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEPt’s Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition.
At the meeting of the G8+5 Environment Ministers in Potsdam, Germany (March 2007), the participating countries called for a global study on “the economic significance of the global loss of biological diversity”. The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) initiative was launched in order to respond to this mandate and resulted in the production of the following series of reports focused on improving understanding of the economic costs of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation and to communicate this understanding to key stakeholders. Since the launch of these reports in 2010, the TEEB initiative has entered a new phase of work focusing on the implementation of report findings in decision-making at all levels. The TEEB - Ecosystem Services Economics Unit (TEEB-ESE) has been established with offices in Geneva and Nairobi to facilitate and support several processes at the country level as well as the sector/biome level.
The purpose of this internship is to assist the TEEB team (http://www.teebweb.org/about/unep-teeb-office/) in carrying out the graphic design for TEEB Country Implementation (http://www.teebweb.org/areas-of-work/teeb-country-studies/ ) and TEEBAgriFood (http://teebweb.org/agrifood/ ).
The internship is for a minimum of three (3) months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of six (6) months, depending on the needs of the TEEB/ESE Unit.
Interns work five days per week (35-40 hours), under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned. The Internship is UNPAID and full-time.
The intern will work in Geneva under the direct supervision of the TEEB Programme Officer. While the specific details of the internship will vary according to needs of the team and preferences of the intern, it is expected that his/her responsibilities will fall within one or several of the broad activities listed hereunder:
•Assist in creating a variety of infographics to mainstream biodiversity and ecosystem services in agriculture and food systems;
•Assist in creating communication products on project impacts;
•Assist in development and graphic design of TEEB folder with customizable inserts;
•Assist in communication products for e-learning on making nature’s values visible;
•Investigate and design creative outreach plans for the products being created;
•Assist in the development of innovative communication products (eg. MapX.org, whiteboard animation);
•Support other tasks or activities as required and in accordance with the intern's interests.
Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Teamwork: 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. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
Client orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to clients.
Applicants must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:
a. Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
b. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent);
c. Have graduated with a university degree.
Be computer literate in standard software applications.
Have demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter;
Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.
•Applicants must be pursuing qualifications in an area of study that can significantly contribute to the responsibilities outlined and overall work of the TEEB-ESE Unit;
•Have good technological and creative skills;
Upon completion of the assignment it is anticipated that the Intern will:
•Have improved communication skills through interaction with UNEP staff, Executive and Senior Management, governments and partner organizations;
•Have gained a better understanding of UNEP's operations and the overall United Nations system;
•Preferred area of study: academic background in Communication, Media, Graphic design, Multimedia arts, Geopgraphy, Geographic Information Systems (GIZ), Environmental Science, International Studies or a related field. Any experience in Adobe Illustrator CS +, Adobe InDesign and After Effects or similar programmes will be considered a valuable asset.
Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the Programme. Are you a student in a Bachelor’s (final year), Master’s or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have you completed a degree course?
Is your field of study closely related to the type of internship you are applying for?
Will you be able to cover the costs of travel, accommodation and other living expenses for the duration of the internship?
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the Internship advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable.
Potential candidates will be contacted by a hiring manager directly for further consideration.
Your application for this internship must include:
1. A Completed application (Personal History Profile) and Cover Note, through the UN careers Portal. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
The Cover Note must include:
- Title of the degree you are currently pursuing
- Graduation Date
- IT skills and programmes you are proficient in
- Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship
Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme, ensure to include all past work experience (if any).
2. Proof of enrollment from current University (if not graduated).
3. A copy of degree certificate (if you have already graduated).
• An acceptance letter to the Internship will be provided for obtaining visas.
• Due to a high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted.
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.
Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.
The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.
Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.