Programme Support

Osaka, Japan

6 months

Background: Established in Osaka in 1992, UNEP’s International Environmental Technology Centre (IETC) is part of the Industry and Economy Division and serves as UNEP’s hub for the waste and technology dimensions of the circular economy. Guided by the vision “Innovation Towards Zero Waste,” the Centre supports developing countries and countries with economies in transition in adopting environmentally sound technologies, policies and practices. IETC leads on electronics across the full value chain and addresses the waste dimensions of plastics, textiles and food, with expertise spanning circularity, innovation, critical minerals, and sustainable value chains; with special attention to the social, gender and youth dimensions of zero-waste and circular economy agendas. The Centre works closely with UNEP teams, governments, businesses and other stakeholders, including its key strategic partners Institute for Global Environmental Strategies and Osaka City’s Global Environment Centre Foundation. Through policy and technical advice, knowledge development, technology cooperation, partnerships, and demonstration initiatives, IETC aims to accelerate an inclusive, technology-driven transition towards zero-waste and circular economy systems. Recognizing waste reduction and the avoidance of waste generation as priority policy actions to prevent waste mismanagement, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, IETC provides technical and policy advice, develops knowledge and partnerships and implements demonstration projects. Working across UNEP and with key partners, including the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies and Osaka City’s Global Environment Centre Foundation, IETC advances inclusive, technology-driven solutions that accelerate progress towards zero waste and circular economy societies. This advertisement is seeking two interns to work in the UNEP-IETC headquarters, in Osaka, Japan during a 6-month period. The Internship is UNPAID and full-time. Interns work five days per week (35 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned. 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. Tasks: Under the direct supervision of IETC Officer, the Intern will: 1. Research and summarize scientific information on zero waste and circular economy solutions, including social and economic aspects such as informal sector integration, gender mainstreaming , behaviour insights and zero-waste job creation potential. 2. Analyse waste-related and circular economy policies, such as national waste management strategies and regulatory frameworks, from the perspectives of environmental sustainability and resource circulation. 3. Draft analytical briefs, policy reviews, research summaries, and technical reports that support evidence-based decision-making and knowledge generation addressing zero waste and circular economy matters 4. Organize and otherwise support meetings (e.g., notetaking, assisting in the management of participant travel, visitor management) and events organized by IETC or in which the Centre is involved. 5. Map out business opportunities and technology-based innovations that advance circularity, resource recovery and zero-waste objectives, particularly in high-impact sectors. 6. Assist in drafting or assessing documents related to UNEP’s programme of work, and develop technical documentation, guidance or tools related to IETC’s work. 7. Assist in populating digital platforms and knowledge-sharing platforms related to IETC’s work. 8. Support the collection, analysis and visualization of data and indicators of zero waste and circular economy. 9. Draft outreach, communication and educational materials related to IETC’s work. 10. Assist in stakeholder mapping and the development of partnership and networks. 11. Carry out other duties relevant to the Intern’s educational background and professional aspirations.

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). Preferred Area of Study: Science and engineering, Waste and/or Environmental management, Sustainability, Natural resources, Policy-making and International Relations, Chemistry, Physics, Logistics and supply chain, Urban planning Applicants should have good knowledge of standard software applications, especially MS Word/Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Teams and MS Outlook. Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required. Applicants must be a student in the year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. Programme within a year. Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage.

For this post, fluency in written and oral English is required. Knowledge of another UN Language and/or Japanese will be desirable.

Not available.

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.

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.