Switzerland: Intern - Environment Affairs

Nov 28, 2021 | United Nations Environment Program
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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.

The Disasters and Conflicts Branch extends UNEP work to areas of the world where the natural and human environment have been damaged from conflicts or disasters. Specialized environmental expertise is provided to rapidly identify risks to health, livelihoods and ecosystem services and to integrate environmental needs within the recovery process.

The Disasters and Conflicts Branch promotes sustainable management of natural resources in conflict and disaster affected countries. It works across four core pillars:

1. Post-Crisis Environmental Assessments
2. Post-Crisis Environmental Recovery
3. Environmental Cooperation for Peacebuilding, and
4. Disaster Risk Reduction

The branch’s work demonstrates to decision makers the importance of natural resources management as a precondition for sustainable development and as an instrument for peacebuilding and disaster risk reduction. Since 1999, the team has conducted field operations in over 40 countries and works in close cooperation with the humanitarian, development and peacebuilding frameworks of the UN system. More information can be found at https://www.unenvironment.org/explore-topics/disasters-conflicts.

Communications are a key strategic priority for UNEP as part of the organization’s mandate to advocate for the environment. This is achieved through a wide range of communications activities at national and global level, including an active social media presence. The Disasters and Conflicts Branch is working directly with teams in Haiti, Afghanistan, Sudan and South Sudan, as well as at a global level on communications related to its work.

Responsibilities

Support the Crisis Management Branch’s communications and outreach activities:

• Contribute to the preparation of communications campaigns for international days, including but not limited to: World Wetlands Day (2 February), International Women’s Day (6 March), World Environment Day (5 June), International Day of Peace (21 September), International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (October 13), International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict (November 6);
• Support with editing and writing of news stories and social media posts;
• Support with the development and design of communication products, such as presentations, flyers, reports, social media cards, etc.;
• Support the Disasters and Conflicts Branch’s Knowledge Management activities, including updating publications lists and databases;
• Explore new communications channels and creative ways for the Disasters and Conflicts Branch to improve its communications;
• Support in taking meeting minutes for the weekly staff meeting, as requested;
• Where relevant, undertake short English to French/Spanish/Arabic translation tasks to broaden reach of communications products;
• Any other tasks, as requested.

Competencies

• 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 client.

Education

• Undergraduate or Master’s Degree (but within one year of graduation) or currently enrolled in a Master’s Programme
• Background in communications, environmental sciences, environmental policy, disaster management, climate change studies, graphic design, environment-related advocacy, or other related fields
• Strong interest and familiarity with social media and online communications

Work Experience

No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required; and [‘fluency’ or ‘knowledge’] of French is [‘desirable’ or ’an advantage’]. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment

Potential candidates will be contacted by hiring manager directly for further consideration.

Special Notice

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 enrolment from current University (if not graduated).

3. A copy of degree certificate (if you have already graduated).

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.

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions.