Country: Switzerland
Closing date: 12 Dec 2017
The UN Environment / OCHA Joint Unit is offering new internships for 2018!
Org. Setting and Reporting
The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.
The UN Environment /Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)/Joint Unit (JEU) was established in 1994 as the United Nations mechanism to mobilize and coordinate emergency assistance to countries affected by environmental emergencies and natural disasters with significant environmental impact. The JEU responds to environmental emergencies by coordinating international efforts and mobilizing partners to assist affected countries requesting assistance. By pairing the environmental expertise of UN Environment and the humanitarian response network coordinated by OCHA, the JEU ensures an integrated approach in responding to environmental emergencies. The JEU also works on environmental emergency preparedness; to raise awareness among communities, disaster responders, governments, and industries on the impacts of environmental emergencies and the presence of hazardous materials that may be released during a disaster. Since its establishment 23 years ago, the JEU has responded to requests for emergency assistance from 90 countries. The Unit has access to resources made available through its extensive range of 25 different networks and partnerships.
The internship is located in Geneva.
The UN Environment/OCHA/JEU internship is for 3- 6 months.
The Internship is UNPAID and full-time.
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.
Responsibilities
The work is carried out in the overall context of the environmental emergency preparedness and response work of the UN Environment / UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Joint Unit. The intern will work under direct supervision of the JEU Programme Officer, integrated within the Emergency Services Branch at OCHA Geneva.
While the specific details of the internship will vary according to needs of the team and preferences of the intern, duties may include, but not limited to:
1.Supports in the coordination and mobilization of environmental emergency response by reviewing guidelines, procedures and reports
2.Assists in environmental emergency readiness work, including the organization of meetings, trainings and workshops with response partners
3.Support the development of guidance material for humanitarian and environmental actors for entry points (policies, tools, processes, skills) for environment in humanitarian action.
4.Assist with the design, preparation and update of JEU advocacy materials
5.Assist with the organization of meetings and outreach events, developing necessary background materials, sourcing appropriate speakers, and report writing;
6.Support communication activities (e.g. draft stories for social media, newsletter, etc);
7.Depending upon country requests, support the deployment of response and readiness expertise to Member States and humanitarian partners
8.Depending on the interns’ skills and background (e.g. specific language skills), country- or region-specific work, and review tasks may be assigned;
9.Support other activities as requested.
Competencies
Core 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
To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, applicants must 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 programme (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 from an academic programme.
Applicants who are unable to commence the internship within one year of graduation shall not be accepted.
Academic background at least at Bachelor’s level or equivalent, in the area of environmental science, political science, social science, international studies, public administration, economics, engineering, earth sciences or in a related field.
Work Experience
Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme.
Languages
Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
For more information and application by click here.
How to apply:
You can get to applying by clicking here.
While the above is a generic OCHA profile, we have developed the specific profile above for an "Environment and Emergencies" intern.
Please indicate at the top of the cover letter that you are applying for the "Environment and Emergencies" position at the OCHA / UN Environment Joint Unit. Please note that we are flexible in adjusting your responsibilities according to your interest.