Work Location
Environment and Forests Division, UNECE, Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland
Expected duration
The internship is for a duration from 1 October to 31 December 2026.
Duties and Responsibilities
The internship is located in the Environment and Forests Division, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe based in Geneva.
The UNECE Environment and Forests Division contributes to the overall objectives and mandate of UNECE as a multilateral platform facilitating greater economic integration and cooperation among its member States, and to the broad aim of the Environment subprogramme to safeguard the environment and human health, and to promote sustainable development in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by supporting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Responsibilities The intern is expected to contribute to the work of the Environment and Forests Division as follows: Under the supervision of the Chief of Environmental Review, Assessment and Advisory Section, the intern will:
(a) Provide general support to the preparation of the Fourth Environmental Performance Review (EPR) of the Republic of Moldova, the Regional EPR of Central Asia, and the EPR of Antigua and Barbuda, and related activities.
(b) Provide support to the Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Programme, as required, including for the preparation of the next session of the Joint Working Group on Environmental Statistics and Indicators, implementation of an EU-funded project, the development of the 8th pan-European environmental assessment, the launching of a national state of the environment report and implementation of relevant capacity-development activities (e.g., assisting in the organization of webinars, drafting and editing project documents, and training materials);
(c) Provide general assistance, as required (e.g. drafting and editing of documents, background research, and correspondence).
Qualifications/special skills
To qualify for the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met:
Applicants to the United Nations internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:
(a) Be enrolled or have completed a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
(b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent). Be computer literate in standard software applications; For this internship, studies in environmental policy, environmental law, environmental sciences, international relations or equivalent are required; Have a 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 for all countries are accepted and under-represented or un-represented countries in the UN are encouraged to apply.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship, fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of French or Russian is an asset.
Additional Information
The cover note must include: Title of the degree and graduation date or title of the degree that you are currently pursuing and the expected graduation date. List the IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in, Top three areas of interest, Explain why you are the best candidate for the internship position, Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme, and your availability during the period considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
KINDLY NOTE THAT THIS TEMPORARY JOB OPENING IS SOLELY FOR THE PURPOSE OF AN INTERNSHIP WITH THE ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR EUROPE. The Internship Programme is guided by Administrative Instruction ST/AI 2020/1 of the United Nations issued by the Under-Secretary-General for Management. Interns are considered type I gratis personnel. They are not staff members. The United Nations does not financially remunerate interns. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibilities of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns work five days per week.
Interns shall not be eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in the Secretariat for a period of six months following the end of their internship. The United Nations accepts no responsibility for the medical insurance of the intern or costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship. Applicants for internship must show proof of valid medical insurance coverage and provide a medical certificate of good health.
The United Nations is not responsible for any claims by any parties where the loss of or damage to their property, death or personal injury was caused by the actions or omission of action by the interns during their internship. A person who is the child or sibling of a staff member shall not be eligible to apply for an internship at the United Nations.
(ii) the child of the spouse of a staff member (stepchild); and
Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
Intern Specific text
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. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.