Work Location

Kingston, Jamaica

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority with a mandate to set the global environmental agenda, promote the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serve as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP coordinates the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEPs Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners to provide technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policy and to strengthen the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The Caribbean Environment Program is the Regional Seas Program for the Wider Caribbean Region under the Ecosystems Division. It promotes regional cooperation for the protection and sustainable development of the marine environment among its 38 Member States and Territories. Established in 1981, it formed the basis for the development and adoption of the Cartagena Convention in 1983 and its Protocols on Oil Spills, Marine Biodiversity (Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife SPAW) and Pollution (Land Based Sources of Marine Pollution LBS). The Regional Coordinating Unit (UNEP-CAR/RCU) was established in 1986 in Kingston, Jamaica and is the Secretariat to the Cartagena Convention and its Protocols. This internship is located in the UNEP/Ecosystems Division/Cartagena Convention Secretariat, Kingston, Jamaica. Responsibilities Under the direct supervision of the Coordinator, the intern will:

• Collate monthly input from the Coordinators office for the report to the Regional Seas Branch in Headquarters
• Assist with engagement with the Bureau of the Cartagena Convention including the convening of Quarterly Meetings and providing background information for documentation required by the Contracting Parties;
• Support the coordinator on engagements with partners and contracting parties.
• Assist with presentations, etc., in preparation for Missions of the Coordinator
• Assist with supporting the Coordinator for participation in priority activities which raise the profile of the Cartagena Convention within the UNCT, such as supporting the delivery of projects, attending meetings, contacting focal points and providing support to the technical team when necessary;
• Assist with the drafting of strategic documents not related to the specific sub-programs, such as policy briefs, reports, and proposals that align with the goals of the Cartagena Convention.
• Assist in the preparation of relevant documentation and presentations; and
• Collect information and undertake desk-based research.

Qualifications/special skills

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); or c. Have graduated with a university degree. Preferred Area of Study: academic background in environmental science, marine or coastal management, marine biology, ecology, environmental law, international relations, sustainable development, management, or related fields relevant to marine and coastal conservation and environmental governance. In addition:

• Demonstrate pleasant interpersonal skills.
• Have a demonstrated 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.
• Has a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and has a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of French and Spanish or any other official United Nations language is desirable. NOTE: “Fluency” equals a rating of “fluent” in all four areas (read, write, speak, and understand), and “knowledge” equals a rating of “confident” in two of the four areas.

Additional Information

Not available.

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.