Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
The Biodiversity Finance Initiative – BIOFIN – was developed to provide a comprehensive methodology for governments to 1) review the existing policy context, 2) measure expenditure levels for biodiversity, 3) calculate future financial needs and 4) design strategic plans to deploy the right mix of finance solutions, tailored to the country context. The methodology has been conducted in 41 countries to date, with many now having reached the implementation stage.
BIOFIN is supported by the Governments of Belgium, Canada, Germany, Flanders, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Belgium and the European Union. The initiative is part of UNDP’s Nature Hub under UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS).
BIOFIN’s first phase (2012-2019) enabled full assessments and initial implementation of finance plan elements in target countries. Based on lessons learned, a new and comprehensive version of the BIOFIN Methodology was developed. Significant scaling up of finance solutions is required in all 41 countries to address the biodiversity
finance challenge. BIOFIN’s second phase focuses mainly on the implementation of prioritized finance solutions and enables up to 132 countries to undertake the initial assessments and create the finance plan. At the central level, knowledge management platforms will be expanded and additional guidance produced for most valuable finance solutions.
For more information see BIOFIN website – www.biofin.org.
BES-NET
The Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Network (BES-Net) is a capacity sharing “network of networks” initiative managed jointly by UNDP, UNEP’s World Conservation Monitoring Centre, and UNESCO with the financial support of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety and SwedBio at Stockholm Resilience Centre. In support of the capacity building work of the Intergovernmental Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), BES-Net:
- Promotes dialogue between science, policy and practice sectors around the latest IPBES assessment themes for more coordinated and evidence-based BES management, using the Trialogue methodology;
- Supports the development of capacity in selected countries to conduct the national ecosystem assessment (NEA), completing the global assessment being undertaken by IPBES;
- Provides the target countries with catalytic seed fund for the uptake of the key findings and recommendations of the IPBES assessments/NEAs in the policy, science and practice sectors;
- Enhances the global BES network by developing a rich database of organizations and experts working on different IPBES assessment theme areas and making the latest BES related news and updates available on the web portal and the social media channels.
Duties and Responsibilities
The intern would be an integrated member of the BIOFIN global team, while assisting remotely the BES-Net team for around 20% of the time (one day per week). The main responsibility of the intern will be to support the global team in their technical, management and communication activities, through the following tasks:
BIOFIN
- Research, collect, analyze, and present the work BIOFIN has been doing in its 41+ core countries;
- Review the best international practices to identify case studies of nature-based finance solutions that can serve as examples for BIOFIN work;
- Assist the BIOFIN finance sources database with new entries and develop guidance materials on financing solutions for BIOFIN teams in different countries;
- Contribute developing knowledge products on cross country analysis, financing solutions for biodiversity conservation;
- Synthesize and summarize research outcomes and lessons learned into formats tailored to BIOFIN thematic activities;
- Support the organization of events, webinars, meetings, regional calls; assist maintaining the documentation of meetings;
- Assist in boosting BIOFIN presence in social media; provide assistance as required in the maintenance of the BIOFIN media accounts including Website, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn etc.;
- Support developing BIOFIN knowledge products (e.g.: blogs, articles etc.);
- Monitor, analyze, and synthesize the developments, press clippings and reports of BIOFIN, and maintain a database of BIOFIN news coverage and update it regularly;
- Attend meetings when required and take meeting minutes;
- Participate in regular interns’ meetings and report to supervisor;
- Support other/ad hoc activities as seen relevant and needed.
BES-Net
- Support the development of stories from countries where both BES-Net and BIOFIN operate, highlighting synergies between the two initiatives;
- Assist in compiling relevant content for monthly newsletters (e.g., the BES-Net Monthly Blast);
- Contribute to the creation of articles, including the partner/expert series, in coordination with BES-Net partner organizations and experts;
- Support the collection of information on BES Solution Fund implementation in relevant countries to aid impact tracking, as needed;
- Help identify collaboration opportunities between BIOFIN and BES-Net in relevant country offices, based on requests from the BES-Net global team, and coordinate with the BIOFIN team on related
Competencies
- Demonstrates intellectual curiosity and deep desire to learn biodiversity finance activities;
- Demonstrates excellent research skills, verbal and written communication, organizational skills;
- Desire to work with and gain the confidence and respect of people with different language, national, and cultural backgrounds;
- Be a well-organized individual with the ability to multitask, including in online or hybrid setting;
- Be a team player with ability to work productively and effectively with others;
- Respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and the UNDP Statement of Purpose
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher);
- Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);
- Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.
Experience:
Previous related work experience in a national or an international entity would be an asset;
- Experience in related finance area is an asset;
- Experience in biodiversity, conservation, ecosystems, and environment related areas is an asset;
- Experience in communication related activities; familiarity with social media platforms or digital media channels is an asset.
Language skills:
· Proficiency in written and spoken English is required;
· Fluency and/or knowledge in French is highly desirable.
Learning: ·
The intern will develop a good overview of global biodiversity financing practices and a basic understanding of UNDP project management concepts;
· Enhance a portfolio of skills both in operational and managerial (organization, coordination, analysis, and independent thinking);
· Expose in the multi-cultural working environment with different stakeholders, peers, actors in biodiversity finance.
Additional Information:
Financial Issues:
Internships within the UN system is subject to conditions the applicant must get familiar with before signing his/her internship agreement.
Starting from January 2020 interns will receive stipends according to UN rules and regulations.
Any further costs associated with the internship must be borne by the nominating institution, related institution, or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or by the student, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his or her arrangements for travel, accommodation and other costs.
Application procedure:
- The application should contain:
- Brief Cover Letter (in English) stating interest in and qualifications for the post and your availability.
- Current and complete CV in English. Please combine all your documents into one (1) single PDF document as the system only allows to upload maximum one document. Candidates who are selected must submit following documents: · Official letter from the University confirming enrolment in a graduate-level degree programme;
- Proof of medical and life/accident insurance valid for the location in which the internship will be carried out. Selected intern must have medical and life insurance.
Conditions:
UNDP only accepts interns for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 6 months; UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents, illness, or death during the internship; Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity; Interns are responsible to arrange for their own visa and residence documents and need to plan for these well in advance.
Subsequent Employment
The purpose of the internship is not to lead to further employment with UNDP but to complement an intern’s studies; therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship;
More information available at: https://www.undp.org/careers/types-of-opportunities/internships
DisclaimerImportant information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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