INTERN - ENVIRONMENT AFFAIRS [Temporary] in Bonn bei United Nations

United Nations

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) aims to conserve terrestrial, aquatic and avian migratory species throughout their range. It is an intergovernmental treaty, concluded under the aegis of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), concerned with the conservation of wildlife and habitats on a global scale. The Aquatic Species Team is responsible for the coordination of several daughter agreements which were established under the umbrella of CMS. This includes binding Agreements (ASCOBANS) and Memoranda of Understanding for specific species or species groups (turtles, sirenians, sharks and rays, cetaceans). Furthermore, the team is in charge of coordinating the implementation of COP Decisions, Resolutions and Concerted Action related to aquatic species.

The internship positions are located in Bonn, Germany. The internship is unpaid and fulltime.

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. The United Nations Environment (UNEP) is the United Nations system's designated entity that addresses 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 Internship is for 6 months and UNPAID. Interns work five days per week (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.

Responsibilities

Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual’s background, the intern’s assigned office as well as the internship period.
Under the supervision of Programme Officer / CMS Aquatic Species Team, tasks during the internship may include the following:

undertake literature reviews on marine mammals, sharks, rays or turtle species of concern for CMS and the Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish and North Seas (ASCOBANS) or threats that are affecting them;
contribute to the preparation of background documents for meetings of CMS, ASCOBANS and aquatic Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs);
assist in the preparation of publications and other outreach material, including the websites;
contribute to the development of strategies and action plans;
assist in the preparation and follow-up of meetings and workshops;
assist with the implementation of Concerted Actions for aquatic species;
assist with the implementation of Decisions taken at the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CMS (COP14);
assist with the development of capacity-building materials (e.g. videos, presentations, handouts) for physical and online workshops and courses;
participate at appropriate internal meetings of the CMS and ASCOBANS Secretariats;
contribute to tasks related to Memoranda of Understanding for aquatic species (for example: Sharks MOU, IOSEA Marine Turtles MOU or the Pacific Islands Cetaceans MOU);
assist with the implementation of other aspects of the Secretariats’ work programmes.

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.

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 info