Intern - Environment Affairs I (Temporary Job Opening) at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Director of the Law Division and the Head(s) of the National and International Environmental Law Units, within the Environmental Law Branch, or their designated representatives, the intern(s) will work with and learn from a team of experienced legal professionals in the area of environmental law (such as human rights and the environment, plastic pollution, oceans and the law of the sea, rights of nature and environmental crime) and contribute to its progressive development. The intern(s) is/are expected to:

• Assist in performing UNEP’s roles and functions as secretariat under the fifth Montevideo Programme for the Development and Periodic Review of Environmental Law;
• Assist countries to develop new environmental legislation or to review and revise their environmental legislation through carrying out research and analysis, reviewing draft legislation and providing comments and suggestions for improvement;
• Prepare written summaries and/or make oral presentations of his/her research, including briefing notes and reports;
• Assist in the organization and support of training events and other meetings and workshops that are organized by the Branch or the Director’s Office, or in which the Branch or the Director’s Office, is involved through, e.g., preparing the agenda, liaising with participants, assisting with the virtual set up where needed, compiling materials, making presentations and taking notes;
• Assist in the management and support of UNEP’s online knowledge platforms, including in responding to technical assistance requests, drafting and publishing statements on environmental law, and liaising with stakeholders;
• Contribute to the finalization of key publications on environmental law and to communication material promoting the Division’s work, including through research, drafting and editing;
• Undertake such other tasks as may be assigned by the Director, Head of the Units and other relevant Officers within the Division.

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

Applicants must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme in law (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent);
• Be enrolled or recently graduated from a postgraduate programme in law (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) with a focus on environmental law, international law or related;
• Have graduated with a university degree in law and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation.
• Be computer literate in standard software applications.

Closing: 28 November 2022