INTERN - ENVIRONMENT AFFAIRS (Regional Office for Africa), I

Job Title

INTERN - ENVIRONMENT AFFAIRS (Regional Office for Africa), I

Department/ Office

United Nations Environment Programme

Duty Station

NAIROBI

Posting Period

22 July 2013-6 August 2013

Job Opening number

13-ENV-UNEP-29251-R-NAIROBI (O)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Organizational Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system's designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate 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.

The UNEP - Regional Office for Africa internship is for 3 months with an opportunity for extension, pending on the needs of the department.

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.

Responsibilities

Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual's background; the intern's assigned office as well as the internship period. Duties may include, but are not limited to:

Under the general guidance and direct supervision of the Ecosystem Management team in Regional Office for Africa UNEP/ROA, the intern will have the responsibility to assist in the work of cooperation programme on the project of the Lake Tana Water Harvesting and follow up on implementation of the activities, as well as preparing documents material for the meeting, searching for information in need and providing other related support to the different activities in the environmental programme.

He or she will specifically:

1. Provide analysis and identify gaps and constrains and potential opportunities for enhancing cooperation between the partners;

2. Assist in the developing and finalization joint research project proposals, data collection, analysis of data and information related to the projects;

3. Communicating with the main partners and project contactors for general work to harmonize the related activities;

4. Provide assistance in monitoring implementation of the projects through telephone communicating or developing project progress report;

5. Draft technical reports related to the projects and information and communication materials

6. Provide administration support related to the activities of project.

7. Carry out other tasks as assigned by the ROA Ecosystem Management Team Leader.

Competencies

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 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 decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position
• Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings Planning & Organizing:
• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies
• Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required
• Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work
• Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning
• Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary
• Uses time efficiently 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

Education

Applicants must be enrolled in a degree programme in a graduate school (second university degree or higher); or if pursuing their studies in countries where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages, have completed at least four years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of a 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; and

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.

Studies in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Water treatment technology and related background required.

Work Experience

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

Languages

Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment Method

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

Special Notice

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.An accompanying letter (cover note) that includes; Title of degree you are currently studying, Graduation date (when you will be graduating from the programme), List the IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in using, and Explain why you are the best candidate for the internship and what you hope to gain from the internship.

3. A letter from your university clearly indicating the status of your enrollment, what programme you are enrolled in and the anticipated date of graduation from the programme.

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

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

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.

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