Deadline: October 15, 2013
Applications are accepted from graduate and exceptional senior-level undergraduate students for a full-time Internship programme which range from a minimum of three (3) to a maximum of six (6) months. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has been welcoming interns from around the world for more than five years and offer programmes in the following areas: Communications, Government Affairs, Environment Research, Environment Policy, Ecosystems Management and the Scientific Technical Advisory Panel (STAP)/Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Their goal is to ensure that each intern has a challenging and fulfilling experience while working at UNEP. As a result, supervisors assign interesting and challenging projects based upon the intern’s background, experience, interest and skills. Interns work very closely with staff on current and diverse topics to help accomplish UNEP’s mission.
Interns are recruited three times a year (Fall, Summer and Spring). UNEP is located in the heart of downtown Washington DC, USA.
Internship Responsibilities and Qualifications
All interns will be required to occasionally assist in UNEP RONA administrative responsibilities such as working at the front desk, taking meeting notes and participating in the kitchen clean-up programme.
All interns should have the following qualifications:
- Demonstrated interest in the environment
- Excellent communication and writing skills
- Strong research and analytical skills
- Computer literacy, especially with MS Word and Excel
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work creatively, independently and as a team member
- Good time-management skills
- Knowledge of a other official UN language is an asset
The following describes the responsibilities and qualifications in each of the various internship areas:
- Communications
- Government Affairs
- Ecosystems Management Internship
- Environmental Policy
- Environmental Research
- STAP/GEF
Important Internship Information
Payment: The UN Internship Programme operates on a non-remunerative basis. All costs connected with internships must be borne by the interns or their sponsoring institutions or governments, including travel and transportation, living and accommodation.
Visas: For applicants accepted into a UNEP internship who are not citizens of the United States, you must obtain a visa. It is UN policy that obtaining visas is the sole responsibility of the intern. UNEP will not assist beyond providing letters of acceptance and copies of internship agreements. Be mindful that obtaining a visa can be a lengthy process and failure to secure a visa will void your internship acceptance. Do not delay in pursuing your visa(s).
Insurance: UNEP accepts no responsibility or liability for costs arising from damages, travel, accident and/or illness incurred during an Internship. Interns are asked to submit:
- A medical certificate stating that he/she is in good health
- Valid proof of coverage by a medical insurance plan
- Internship Agreements
Requirements
All internship applications must include the information below. Failure to provide a complete internship application may result in the application not being considered.
- Detailed CV
- Completed internship programme application form
- Written statement explaining why an internship is sought and what is expected from the experience
- Cover letter indicating specific dates of availability and other relevant information
Once selected by UNEP, applicants will be required to sign the following:
- UN Administrative Instruction ST/AI/2000/9 governing all UN internships
- UNEP Washington DC Internship Agreement governing the local internship programme
For more information, click here.
