Programme Research Assistant

Work Location

Nairobi, Kenya

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Purpose: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 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. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of government and the international community for action. UNEP’s Policy and Programme Division (PPD) is a center of excellence for strategic guidance and programmatic policy for UNEP, enabling UNEP’s strategic and programmatic direction, ensuring organization-wide coherence and effectiveness in implementation and continuous improvement. Within PPD, the Development Coordination Unit (DCU) is responsible for increasing the uptake of environmental policy issues or approaches by UN entities at country level by effectively engaging with the Resident Coordinators system and coherently contributing to UN Country Teams (UNCT) processes. The position is located in DCU and the incumbent will report to the Programme Manager Officer. Responsibilities: Under the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer and in close coordination with the Programme Associate of the Development Coordination Unit (DCU), the incumbent will support DCU with quantitative and qualitative research and analysis on the integration of environmental issues in various UNCT programming documents, contribute to the generation of reports, summaries, and presentations and assist in knowledge management efforts. More specifically: * Conduct Research and Analysis on specific topics related to the UN Development System Reform and the Triple Planetary Crisis, as per the Unit's requirements. * Conduct in-depth qualitative and quantitative research on the integration of climate change, biodiversity and pollution, as well as Multilateral Environmental Agreements in UN Common Country Analysis and Cooperation Frameworks. * Assist in the drafting of reports, briefing notes, summaries, knowledge products and presentations based on quantitative research and analysis. * Support with knowledge management efforts, as needed, including through document management and mailbox monitoring. * Support on special projects at the request of the head of unit.

Qualifications/special skills

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). (c) Applicants should have good knowledge of standard software applications, especially MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. Preferred area of study: Bachelor’s or Master’s in one or more of the sciences and/or a field relevant to the environment (e.g., environmental studies, environmental economics, environmental assessments, environmental monitoring), International Relations, International Development, Social Sciences, or related disciplines. Ability to reflect research and analysis in an easy-to-understand narrative, and Knowledge of graphic design software and Microsoft SharePoint is an advantage. Demonstrated interest in issues related to the environment or sustainable development. Strong writing and communication skills are required, including experience in writing reports and summaries.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position fluency in English is required.

Additional Information

Expected outputs: * Quantitative and qualitative research and analysis developed and conducted on selected topics, including on the integration of climate change, biodiversity and pollution, as well as Multilateral Environmental Agreements in UN Common Country Analysis and Cooperation Frameworks and in line with existing methodologies. * Research findings documented and synthesized into briefing notes, summaries, and knowledge products and back-up documentation. * Document management, mailbox monitoring and knowledge management support provided. * DCU’s objectives and initiatives adequately supported as per needs.

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.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.