Work Location

United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD), Nagoya, Japan. This internship is designed to be in-person and full time (five days a week/35 hours) but can be adjusted to hybrid or remote in a part of the internship duration based on request by successful candidate.

Expected duration

2 or 3 months expectedly from 1 June 2024 or earliest possible dates

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD) was established in 1971 based on the agreement between the UN and the Government of Japan dated 18 June 1971. The founding documents of UNCRD – the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) resolutions 1086 C (1965), 1141 (1966) and 1582 (L) (1971) as well as the agreement between the UN and the Government of Japan referred to above – stipulate the objectives and activities of the UNCRD: • to serve as a training and research centre in regional development and planning and related fields for developing countries which may wish to avail themselves of its services; • to provide advisory services in regional development and planning and related fields at the request of developing countries; • to assist developing countries in promoting the exchange of data on research, practical experience, teaching, and other relevant subjects in regional development and planning and related fields; and • to assist and cooperate with other organizations, national or international, concerned with regional development and planning and related fields. UNCRD strives to promote sustainable regional development in developing countries with a focus on development planning and management in the context of globalization and decentralization trends, and the growing concern towards global environmental issues and their impacts. Sustainable Environment is one of the key elements for Sustainable Development. In line with the environment and development priorities and international commitments reflected in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other international agendas and agreements, UNCRD’s Environment Unit is currently focusing on three urban priorities – sustainable transport, 3R/circular economy, sustainable waste management, and biodiversity – that have significant impacts on the socioeconomic and bio-physical environment, and has been providing required technical assistance to developing countries at the local and national levels. The internship is located in the Environment Unit, UNCRD, Nagoya, Japan. Intern reports to the Environment Programme Coordinator of UNCRD. The intern will support research work and the organization of the Regional EST Forum in Asia and the Regional 3R and Circular Economy in Asia and the Pacific by: – updating the list(s) of invitees – updating the list(s) of nominations to be received from participating countries – drafting invitations to possible participating countries – compiling the electronic information received from participating countries and experts so that they could be uploaded to UNCRD’s webpages – participate in online conferences, consultation meetings and workshops to enrich knowledge on various aspects of sustainable development (SDGs); Intern is also expected to support the research for the preparation of papers and reports related to the projects through collection of data from multiple resources, and assist in reviewing an analyzing data from multiple resources. S/he is expected to assist in preparation of UNCRD’s presentations to be made at the Forums, international meetings and conferences.

Qualifications/special skills

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 being applied to is required. Applicants should mention how their field of study relates to Sustainable Development, mainly in the areas of sustainable transport and circular economy & 3Rs. Furthermore, all interested candidates should: • Be computer literate in standard software applications; • Have strong organizational and coordination skills, analytical thinking, excellent written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and ability to collect and analyze data; • Have a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and • Be able to interact with individuals of different backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views. 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).

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the Internship Programme. Knowledge of additional official United Nations language is an asset. Arabic, Chinese French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Information

A complete online application (Cover Note and Personal History Profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The Cover Note must include:  Degree Programme (What are you currently studying)  Graduate Date(When will you graduate or when did you graduate from the programme)  Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship  Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme In your online Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences, IT skills, and three references. Applicants who are children or siblings of a staff member shall not be eligible to apply for an internship at the United Nations.

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.