Work Location

Montreal or remote

Expected duration

Three to six months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 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 United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for ‘sustainable development’. One of the key agreements adopted at Rio was the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Convention establishes three main goals: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits from the use of genetic resources. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) is located in Montreal and is administered by UNEP. This internship is located at the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer for Planning, Monitoring, Reporting and Reviewing and the Programme Management Officer for National Reports, Monitoring, Review and National Reporting Unit, Implementation Support Division. The Programme Support to planning, monitoring, reporting and reviewing of the Convention and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework internship has a start date of April 2025 for a duration of three (3) months with a possibility of an extension depending on the needs of the Organization. The Internship is for a maximum duration of 6 months and UNPAID. Interns work five days per week (35-40 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. Duties and Responsibilities: The intern will assist with the planning, monitoring, reporting and review of the implementation of the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, including updated national biodiversity strategies and action plans and national reports. Under the overall supervision of the Programme Management Officer for National Reports the intern will: (inter alia) • Review and analyze updated NBSAPs, national targets, national reports and other relevant documents provided by Parties to contribute to related documentation or analyses to be prepared for major and other related meetings under the Convention and related capacity development activities. • Assist with the facilitation of the submissions of updated NBSAPs and national reports. • Support the organization and preparation of related meetings, virtual or other, organized by the Planning, Monitoring, Reporting and Review Unit, including logistical support, note taking and report preparation. • Assist in other duties as may be requested by the supervisor, including by the Executive Secretary.

Qualifications/special skills

Applicants to the United Nations internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements: (a) Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or, (b) Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor ‘s level or equivalent). (c) Have graduated with a university degree. Be computer literate in standard software applications. Have demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter. 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. Preferred area of study: Candidates from all related disciplines are welcome to apply for this internship. However, a strong interest in multilateral diplomacy and sustainable development is essential and prior experience in undertaking reviewing/analysis as well as in communication would be highly regarded. In addition, prior exposure to biodiversity issues in particular familiarity with the CBD and the Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework, and development cooperation areas would be an asset. 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 final 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. 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.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN Language, Spanish or French, is desirable. NOTE: “Fluency equals a rating of “fluent” in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and “Knowledge of” 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.