Job Details
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. The TEEB Ecosystem Services Economics Unit (TEEB-ESE) was established with offices in Geneva and Nairobi to facilitate and support several processes at the country level as well as the sector/biome level.
This Internship position is located in the TEEB Ecosystem Services Economics Unit (TEEB-ESE), Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Branch of the Ecosystems Division, at the UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. The Intern will work directly with the ESE Programme Management Officer, to assist the TEEB team in carrying out the growing portfolio of work, particularly the TEEBAgriFood projects.
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 assigned Office.
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.
Responsibilities
While the specific details of the internship will vary according to needs of the team and preferences of the intern, daily responsibilities will depend on the individual’s academic background, skill-set, interests and duration of internship. Under the direct supervision of the ESE Programme Management Officer, it is expected that his/her responsibilities will fall within one or several of the following broad activities:
Research, analyse and present information gathered from diverse sources to support the implementation of TEEB project activities;
Support the review of project deliverables;
Assist with the organization of internal and external meetings and outreach events, supporting the technology and logistics, developing necessary background materials, sourcing appropriate speakers, and report writing;
Support communication activities (e.g. draft stories for social media, TEEB newsletter, etc.);
Depending on the incumbent’s skills and background (e.g. specific language skills), country- or region-specific research, and review tasks may be assigned;
Undertake any other routine duties as may be required from time to time.
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 a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); OR
Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); OR
Have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation.
Final year students or academic background in economics, environmental or agricultural economics, environmental sciences, international studies or related field preferred.
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.
Work Experience
Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the Program.
Languages
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 other UN official language is desirable (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat).
Assessment
Potential candidates will be contacted by the hiring manager directly for further consideration.
Special Notice
Your application for this internship must include:
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).
Proof of enrollment from current University (if not graduated).
A copy of degree certificate (if you have already graduated).
Due to a high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted.
