Work Location
Home-based
Expected duration
3 to 6 months
Duties and Responsibilities
Background: Desertification, along with climate change and the loss of biodiversity were identified as the greatest challenges to sustainable development during the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. Established in 1994, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. The Convention seeks to support countries to address Desertification, Land Degradation, and Drought (DLDD).
(www.unccd.int ) The G20 (or Group of Twenty) is the annual international forum for the governments from 19 industrialized countries and the European Union (EU). Collectively, the G20 economies account for around 90 percent of the gross world product (GWP), 75 percent of world trade, two-thirds of the world population, and approximately half of the world's land area. In 2020, Saudi Araba held the rotating Presidency of the G20.
The G20 Leaders' Declaration, issued on Sunday, 22 November 2020, launched a "Global Initiative on Reducing Land Degradation and Enhancing Conservation of Terrestrial Habitats". Building on existing initiatives and on a voluntary basis, the G20 countries share the ambition to achieve a 50 percent reduction in the amount of degraded land by 2040. The Global Initiative (GI) with oversight from UNCCD, will focus on capacity building, engaging the private sector and civil society and showcasing success.
The Director, under the oversight of the Executive Secretary of the UNCCD, manages the Initiative Coordination Office (ICO). The G20 Global Initiative is seeking interns, for remote working, to support the implementation of the initiative activities.
Duties and Responsibilities Under the direct supervision of the Director of the initiative or any other staff member assigned by the director, the interns will assist in the performance of the following duties: - graphic design of fliers, use Adobe software to create and edit videos and reels, previous experience in this is mandatory - research, collect and prepare reports on countrywide land restoration and habitat conservation efforts, from Government, private sector and community - research, collect information and prepare reports on regional land degradation and habitat conservation efforts such as Great Green Wall and Green Middle East Initiative - conduct review of the framework laws on restoration in G20 countries and prepare a compendium on what are the provisions for environmental restoration after mining is over - monitor social media for topics relevant for the global initiative - work with the rest of the Team in the design, development and implementation of awareness-raising activities
perform other duties as determined by the supervising officer that relate to the internship. Competencies: Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others; asks questions to clarify issues; 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; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision. Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things.
Qualifications/special skills
be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree (science, arts, engineering, forestry, agriculture or related topics) programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent); OR - have graduated with a university degree and, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation.
Applicants are not required to have professional work experience to be accepted for this internship. - research skills: ability to perform effective and efficient internet searches, and desk research; - writing skills: ability to draft and edit content for publication in the language he/she shall be working in, i.e. English, Arabic, French or Spanish; - planning and organizing: ability to work in an organized and structured way; - computer literate, with sound knowledge of and ability to use Microsoft Office Suite.
Languages
For this internship, excellent oral and written ability is required in English
Additional Information
Applicants must attach ALL of the following documents to each application: 1. UNCCD internship application form; acceptance and undertaking (conditions and annex form-available on the above link); 2. cover letter stating the reasons for applying; Potential candidates will be contacted by hiring manager directly for further consideration. Due to a high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted. Internship with UNCCD is unpaid. Interns are not financially remunerated by the UNCCD. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or his/her sponsoring institution.
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.