Become a Programme and Communication Support Intern (2 Positions) at UNEP (Nairobi or Home-based): Apply!!!

Job Network: Economic, Social, and Development
Job Family: Programme Management
Category and Level: Internship, I-1
Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya or Home-Based
Duration: 6 Months
Application Deadline: December 27, 2024
Organizational Setting and Duties
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) serves as the designated entity within the UN system for addressing environmental issues at both global and regional levels. Its mandate includes coordinating environmental policy, keeping the global environment under review, and bringing emerging issues to the attention of the international community for action. The Ecosystems Division of UNEP works alongside national and international partners to provide technical assistance and advisory services for environmental law, policy implementation, and capacity building, particularly in developing countries and transitioning economies.
This internship, based in the Ecosystems Division, contributes to UNEP’s leadership role along with FAO on the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030), a request by the UN General Assembly and UNEA-4. The internship is full-time and unpaid. Interns are expected to work five days per week under the supervision of a staff member within the assigned office.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the UN Decade Coordinator (for Programme Support) and the Communications Manager (for Communication Support), with guidance from the Programme Management Associate, the selected interns will support the core UN Decade team through the following tasks:
A. Programme and Partnerships Support
- Assist in establishing and managing partnerships for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, including due diligence processes, toolkits development, guidelines, and partner communication channels.
- Support the organization of meetings and outreach events, prepare background materials, and provide reporting support.
- Manage day-to-day communications and official correspondence for the UN Decade core team.
- Oversee the regular quality control and management of the UN Decade’s official email: [email protected].
- Provide Secretariat support for the Multi-Partner Trust Fund and associated meetings.
- Assist with coordination of flagship activities and the Advisory Board.
- Support administrative, project management, and information management tasks as required.
B. Communication Support
- Support the team’s day-to-day communication activities and official correspondence.
- Manage and monitor the quality control of content posted on the UN Decade’s website: www.decadeonrestoration.org.
- Assist with compiling, producing, and distributing the monthly newsletter.
- Coordinate translation requirements for UN Decade materials and support translation capacity-building efforts.
C. Additional Duties
- Perform other duties as required to support the programme and communication needs.
Qualifications and Special Skills
Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria at the time of application:
- Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (Master’s level, second university degree, or equivalent).
- Be in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent).
- Have graduated with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. degree.
While professional work experience is not required, applicants must have studied fields relevant to the internship role, such as:
- Environmental Sciences, Environmental Policy, Communications, Public Relations, International Relations, Law, Development Studies, or related disciplines.
Applicants are required to demonstrate:
- Proficiency in standard computer software applications (e.g., MS Teams, Outlook).
- Strong report writing skills.
- Effective interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity in a multicultural environment.
- Interest in the ideals of the United Nations Charter and commitment to its mission.
Languages
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.
Additional Information
Applicants should possess:
- Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with individuals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
- A proven interest in environmental issues, global development, and UN system operations.
Key Competencies for this internship include:
- Communication
- Client Orientation
- Teamwork
Intern-Specific Information
- Financial Aspects: The internship is unpaid. Costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and daily living expenses are the intern’s responsibility or their sponsoring institution’s obligation.
- Non-resident interns must obtain relevant visas and work authorization. Interns should confirm visa requirements before accepting an internship offer.
- The United Nations does not charge any fees for its recruitment processes.
How to Apply
Qualified candidates must submit their application through the designated portal or platform before December 27, 2024. Applicants should clearly indicate their preferred area of focus in their application, selecting either:
- (a) Programme and Partnerships Support, or
- (b) Communications Support.
Candidates are also encouraged to articulate what inspires them to apply for the internship and how it would support their professional development and the UN Decade’s implementation goals.



