BACKGROUND INFORMATION
ITU is expanding its activities relating to waste electrical and electronic equipment (e-waste) in the policy and regulation domain. ITU is receiving an increasing number of requests from its Member States in the areas of circular economy and climate change. Preparation is underway for the publication of the next Global E-waste Monitor – one of ITU’s flagship reports – tentatively penciled in for June 2027. Significant preparation is required including data collection, information gathering, drafting and overall coordination. The ITU team is looking for dedicated support in these areas, in particular with the preparation of the Global E-waste Monitor 2027. This provides a unique opportunity for the incumbent to be part of the preparations behind the Monitor – the world’s leading compilation of data and information about e-waste.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Under the supervision of the Head of the CET Division and in close cooperation with members of the Creating a Circular Economy for Electronics programme, the intern will:1) Support with the preparation of the Global E-waste Monitor 2027 – one of ITU’s flagship reports. The Monitor is a product of collaboration between ITU and the UN Institute for Training and Research – a partnership called the Global E-waste Statistics Partnership. ITU is tasked with the collection of data on the number of countries covered by national e-waste policy, legislation and regulation and the composition of these policy instruments – including whether they contain provisions on extended producer responsibility, environmental standards and e-waste collection and recycling targets.Support provided by the intern towards the preparation of the Global E-waste Monitor 2027 will include:o Assist with the analysis of the global policy, legislative and regulatory landscape for electronics and e-waste management. This will cover all countries globally of the recognised United Nations regions.o Review of the status of each country’s national e-waste management policy, legislative and regulatory landscape, to document the progress of legal instruments between 2023 (the last edition of the Global E-waste Monitor waste in 2024 with e-waste legislation data coming from 2023) and 2027.o Assess the legal instruments for each country where at least one exists, to document whether such instrument(s) include provisions on electronics extended producer responsibility and on e-waste collection and recycling targets.o Contribute to the compilation of knowledge in the Global E-waste Monitor 2027. The following areas of research and support in drafting are anticipated: materials composition of electronics, circularity impact and critical raw materials, employment in e-waste management, legislation and transboundary movements, regional focus and the key indicators and trends globally.2) Assist with the inception of the Global Electronics Management Program – a global program funded by the Global Environment Facility, implemented by the UN Industrial Development Organization and other UN agencies and partly executed by ITU. This will involve the preparation of project documentation and partnership materials covering ITU’s role in the program. ITU’s role in the program will cover policy guidance and advisory services in the following areas: extended producer responsibility, right to repair, sustainable financing in e-waste management and circular and sustainable public procurement.
COMPETENCIES
• Knowledge of environmental issues, particularly relating to circular economy and to e-waste.• Excellent data management skills and ability to analyse information and data across countries and topics.• Familiarity or willingness to learn about policy development and regulations governing e-waste.• Ability to conduct research efficiently and draft clear and concise documentation.• Good interpersonal skills and willingness to work collaboratively with other team members.
QUALIFICATION REQUIRED
Education: University degree (or in the process of completing an advanced university degree) in the areas of global environmental governance, standards, policy, regulation and sustainable development or environmental studies, or an equivalent level of education and specialization in a relevant field.
Experience: No work experience is required.
Languages: Advanced level of English. Fluency in Spanish would be desirable.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Unpaid Internship
Please note that a non-remunerated internship at ITU does not carry the same conditions of employmentas a short-term or fixed-term position. Medical insurance, travel, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution.
ITU Internship RequirementsTo be eligible for an internship at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), candidates must:
• Be under 30 years of age (Exceptions may be considered for candidates pursuing a Ph.D.).• Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate programme, or be a recent graduate(withinsix months prior to the start of the internship).• Be a citizen of a Member State of ITU.