INTERN - ENVIRONMENT AFFAIRS - Minamata Convention on Mercury [Temporary]

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 UN system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.

The overall objective of the Minamata Convention on Mercury is to protect the human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury. The secretariat functions for this Convention is performed by the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme. The Secretariat’s programme of work for the period 2018–2019 was approved by the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention held in September 2017 (decision MC-1/15).

The intern position is based in Geneva (the Secretariat is initially located in Geneva as per Decision MC-1/11).

The internship is for six (6) months.
It is full-time. The intern will work five days per week (35-40 hours) under the supervision of a Programme Officer of the Secretariat.

Under the direct supervision of a Programme Officer of the Secretariat of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, the intern will:

• Support the preparations for the second meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (COP2), scheduled to take place in Geneva from 19 to 23 November 2018 as well as its preceding briefings and preparatory meetings, which includes assisting in:
o The preparation of presentations, briefings and speeches delivered by the Secretariat at various meetings.
o The preparation of the exhibition area at COP2.
o The organization of side events at COP2.
o The review of registrations for COP2 and other meetings.
o The logistical arrangements required for the organization of COP2 and other meetings.

• Support the development of awareness raising materials and activities towards the implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury such as:
o The development of outreach and information materials, including webinars and newsletters.
o The dissemination of information through the Minamata Convention website (www.mercuryconvention.org).
o The development of projects to support technical assistance and capacity building, including research and collection of information relating to the Minamata Convention and its implementation.

• Assist with other tasks, as appropriate and as discussed with the intern.

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.

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.

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 decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Applicants must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:
a. Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
b. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent);
c. Have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation.

Preferred area of study: University degree in international relations, international environmental law, political sciences, sustainable development, communication, environmental science, technical issues (in particular chemistry or biological sciences) or related area. Fully proficient computer skills, use of web based platforms and relevant softwares e.g. word processing, PowerPoint, Excel, internal databases, Internet etc.

Applicants should demonstrate keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the United Nations Charter. The candidate should demonstrate ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this Internship fluency in English (both oral and written) is required . Fluency in Spanish and/or French is highly desirable.

Potential applicants will be contacted by hiring manager directly for further consideration.

Your application for this internship must include:
1. A completed application (Personal History Profile) through the UN careers Portal. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. In your Personal History Profile (PHP), be sure to include all past work experiences, IT Skills, and three references.
2. Proof of enrollment (click on link to access and attach to your application: http://unon.org/content/internship-programme),
3. A certified copy of degree certificate (if you have already graduated).

Due to a high volume of applications received, ONLY successful applicants will be contacted.

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation or sexual abuse, or crimes other than minor traffic offences, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

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.