Intern - Industry and Economy Division

Ready to contribute to a sustainable future? The UNEP’s International Environmental Technology Centre (IETC) is seeking a passionate and skilled intern to join our team in Nairobi and help drive global waste management solutions. If you’re a student or recent graduate in Science, Environmental Management, Policy, or a related field and eager to gain hands-on experience in the circular economy, climate change mitigation, and more, apply for this internship today and be a part of shaping a cleaner, healthier planet!

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 with the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.

Background:

As part of the Industry and Economy Division, UNEP International Environmental Technology Centre (IETC) works with developing countries to implement sustainable solutions to environmental challenges, with focus on holistic waste management. The Centre promotes and advocates sustainability of waste management and disposal, based on the circularity principles and through the life-cycle approach. Sound management of waste contributes to all three pillars of sustainable development. In particular, UNEP-IETC provides technical and advisory support to national and local governments to enhance their use of environmentally sound strategies and approaches. UNEP-IETC also implements in-country demonstration projects using innovative waste prevention and management methods and technologies to improve human well-being, reduce the impact of climate change, increase resilience and create jobs. Working with a wide range of partners and in line with relevant multilateral environmental agreements, UNEP-IETC mission is to serve as a global centre of excellence on environmentally sound technologies with focus on holistic waste management. UNEP-IETC is also contributing to the Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee processes from the waste management perspective.

The internship is located in the UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division, Nairobi duty station. This advertisement is seeking one intern to work in the Industry and Economy Division in Nairobi. The duration of an internship is two months minimum; maximum is six months with a possibility for extension depending on the needs of the Organization. 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. 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.

Tasks:

Under the direct supervision of IETC Officer, the Intern will:

1. Research and summarize scientific information on waste related issues, including social and economic issues in waste management, such as waste informal sector, gender aspects, waste based job creation.
2. Analyse waste related policies, such as national waste management strategies from the perspectives of environmental viewpoints, such as circular economy, climate change linkage in the countries UNEP works in.
3. Draft analyses of policies and reports on scientific research.
4. Organize and otherwise support meetings (e.g., notetaking, assisting in the management of participant travel, visitor management).
5. Map out business opportunities and technology-based innovations on waste management and recycling.
6. Assist in drafting project documents and develop technical documentation, guidance or tools as relates to waste management.
7. Assist in populating knowledge sharing platform on waste management.
8. Support the collection and visualization of waste management data.
9. Draft outreach materials for educational purposes.
10. Assist in the development of networks of waste management institutions.
11. Support assessment processes such as global/regional waste management outlooks.
12. Carry out other duties relevant to the Intern’s educational background.

Qualifications/special skills

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

(a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
(b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent).

Preferred Area of Study: Science, Environment management, Policymaking, Climate change, Resource Studies, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Information Technology, Information or Knowledge Management

Applicants should have good knowledge of standard software applications, especially MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams.

Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required.

Applicants must be a student in the year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PH.D. Programme within a year.

Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage.

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.

Intern Specific text

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. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.