United Nations
Framework Convention on
Climate Change
Internship Assignment
Mitigation Division
Regulatory Framework Implementation Team
Background
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the focus of the political process to address Climate Change. The UNFCCC secretariat supports the Convention, its Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement through a range of activities, including substantive and organizational support to meetings of the Parties and the implementation of commitments. It is a dynamic organization working in a politically challenging environment to help resolve one of the defining issues of our time.
This internship position is in the Mitigation Division, Regulatory Framework Implementation subdivision (RFI), which supports matters relating to the development of regulatory guidelines, standards and policies relevant to greenhouse gas estimations, mitigation actions and the technical assessments of projects and programme of activities submissions and entity competence. RFI provides substantive and technical input and advice to the constituted and regulatory bodies and provides support to the negotiation process to the Intergovernmental and Stakeholder Interaction subdivision.
Objectives of the internship
Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer, RFI Removal unit and the general guidance of the Team Leads, Methodologies unit and Removal unit, the intern will perform a range of activities related to the implementation of the work programme of the Mitigation division on methodological issues relating to development and assessment of Article 6.4 mechanism methodologies and GHG removal activities, including but not limited to:
- Conducting desk research around specific methodological aspects related to removal activities as well as emission reductions issues.
- Supporting collection, compilation and analysis of data and information in areas related to standards for removals and/or emission reduction and in particular evaluating potential and trends regarding removal activities and the related standards.
- Assisting in preparation of various types of written outputs pertaining to afore-mentioned topics.
- Supporting subject-matter specialists and article 6.4 mechanism experts on methodological work on GHG removal methodological standards and research activities.
- Assisting in organization of events related to the topics of Article 6.4 mechanism methodologies and GHG removal activities.
- Assisting in other activities as requested.
Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1 • 53113 Bonn • Germany • Telephone +49 228 815-1000 • Fax -1999 • secretariat@unfccc.int
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Timeframe
The internship is for a period of six months. The exact dates will be determined based on the availability of the selected candidate, the organizational needs and for on-site assignments, the time approved in the internship permit. The selected candidate will be expected to perform the assignment onsite at the UNFCCC premises in Bonn, Germany.
The selected candidate might require a permit to perform the internship in Bonn. This could limit the time on-site to a maximum of 3 months in some cases and could entail carrying out part of the internship remotely. Thus, any selected candidate shall take this into consideration when applying. Also, they are expected to comply with the IT requirements mentioned below.
Minimum requirements
Applicants must, at the time of application and for the duration of the internship, meet one of the following requirements: 1) Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher, such as a PhD) at a recognized university; or 2) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent) at a recognized university.
Other Requirements:
- University studies shall be in the field of Engineering, Environmental sciences, Economics, or related disciplines. Courses that cover climate change, greenhouse gases estimation issues and sustainable development are preferred, other fields of study, combined with substantial relevant experience, would be considered an asset.
- Working knowledge of English (oral and written) is required
- Demonstrated excellent written and communication skills.
- Candidates must be able to work in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment.
IT requirements
For any remote section of the internship, i.e., outside of Bonn, the selected candidate will require a laptop or desktop PC (with Windows 10 or newer) or Mac (with the latest macOS update), as well as a reliable, high-speed internet connection. An Office 365 license will be provided by UNFCCC to enable the interne to access official emails, SharePoint, OneDrive, and other necessary applications, such as Word and Excel.
Further computer requirements:
- An antivirus application which receives regular updates;
- Browsers must be a newer version with regular updates enabled;
- Regular Windows 10 updates should be enabled with a Windows laptop or PC.
In addition, a mobile phone will be required to enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA) through SMS or the Authenticator App.
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Internship conditions
UNFCCC secretariat internships are not remunerated, and the selected intern will be responsible for all costs associated with the internship assignment including medical insurance. Interns of the UNFCCC secretariat are not staff members. The selected intern will work on a full-time basis (40 hours per week).
For more detailed information about UNFCCC Internship programme please visit the internship section on our recruitment webpage.
Application procedure
Applicants who are interested in this assignment and meet the minimum requirements must use the on-line application system, include a cover letter and attach the necessary documents to evidence they are eligible. Due to the high number of applications, only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted for assessment.