United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Young Champions of the Earth Internship Program 2018 in Nairobi

The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) 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.

UN Environment has a partnership with Covestro to run the Young Champions of the Earth, a multi-year challenge to help get big ideas off the ground with seed funding, mentoring, training, global publicity and access to influential networks. The challenge aims to identify, celebrate and support individuals between 18 and 30 with outstanding potential to create positive environmental impact. Each year, six or seven Young Champions will receive the full life-changing support package, and about 30 will receive expert mentoring. The initiative stems from Champions of the Earth, which remains as the highest environmental honour of the United Nations.

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.

Under the direct supervision of the Communication Deputy Director, the intern will:

Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual’s background. These could include:
•Respond to email inquiries relating to application and nomination processes;
•Support the organization in reviewing submissions and provide regional and global juries with information and guidance;
•Liaise with UN Environment’s regional communication staff to shortlist applicants for the Young Champions of the Earth prize;
•Coordinate a knowledge and data repository of nominations and applications;
•Contribute to the development of outreach materials, update website pages and work with social media teams and translators to co-produce content;
•Help with the organization and logistics of the award ceremony;
•Maintain strict confidentiality in all aspects of the work;
•Provide technical support to the Coordinator and other staff, and undertake other tasks as needed.

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

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 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);
c. Have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation.

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.

Studies in communication, journalism, science, environment, marketing, business or any related field preferred.

Work Experience

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

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 is desirable.

Assessment

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

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the UNEP Young Champions of the Earth Internship Program 2018