Internship on Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction

Work LocationNairobi, Kenya Expected duration6 MONTHS Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe 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 within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP’s Disasters and Conflicts Branch works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The Disasters and Conflicts Branch extends UNEP’s work to areas of the world where the natural and human environment have been damaged from conflicts or disasters. The Disasters and Conflicts Branch promotes sustainable management of natural resources in conflict and disaster affected countries. The branch’s work demonstrates to decision makers the importance of natural resources management as a precondition for sustainable development and as an instrument for peace building and disaster risk reduction. More information can be found at www.unep.org/disastersandconflicts. Within the Branch, the DRR Unit provides support on promoting Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR) for helping support mandates defined by international frameworks such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.Through upscaling Eco-DRR initiatives, the Unit provides technical expertise to stakeholders, programme partners, and vulnerable communities to help advocate and adopt Eco-DRR within various contexts, with a focus on nature-based solutions for enhancing disaster and climate resilience. Furthermore, the DRR Unit addresses rising industrial risks, fortifying environmental governance to mitigate pollution incidents, and safeguard public health. UNEP works closely with national and local Governmental institutions, communities, industry partners, academia and civil society to promote environmental best practices. The DRR Unit also liaises with other Units of the Branch in addressing environmental drivers and impacts of disaster risks and conflict as well as supporting conflict and disaster affected countries in addressing pressing environmental risks to help promote sustainable stabilization, recovery and reconstruction efforts. Since 2008, UNEP has supported a unique partnership of 25+ organisations known as the Partnership for Environment and Disaster Risk Reduction (PEDRR), which promotes and advocates for Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR) as well as adaptation to climate change-related risks. PEDRR is the primary platform through which UNEP collaborates and leverages its influence on Eco-DRR. UNEP’s Eco-DRR portfolio has five components: global advocacy, capacity building and training, field implementation, development of knowledge products and partnerships. UNEP hosts the Secretariat of PEDRR which disseminates a weekly newsletter and manages PEDRR’s social media and public outreach. This internship position is for a person who will support UNEP’s programmatic, communications and outreach activities for our Disaster Risk Reduction portfolio and support the PEDRR Secretariat and its other partnerships and networks. The Internship is UNPAID and full-time. Interns work five days per week (35-40 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned. Qualifications / special skills or knowledge 1. 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 programme (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; 2. Background in communications, international affairs, international development, environmental sciences and policy or related fields would be an asset. 3. Strong interest and familiarity with social media and online communication tools. 4. Experience in web content management systems and graphics design (using Adobe Suite or Canva) would be an asset. 5. Ability to write clearly and succinctly in English is required. Other languages would be an asset. Specific tasks and responsibilities Support day-to-day management and operations of the PEDRR Secretariat, including: a. Update and maintain all documentation regarding PEDRR and Eco-DRR related project communication materials into consolidated electronic filing systems in MS Teams; b. Maintain and monitor the PEDRR Network database as well as PEDRR’s content management systems, social media follower database, and Flickr account; c. Support the implementation of PEDRR’s communication strategy, especially through the use of social media and newsletters; d. Develop PEDRR’s weekly newsletter focusing on Eco-DRR related issues and respond to user inquiries from the PEDRR network; e. Assist in the daily maintenance of PEDRR’s knowledge management platforms including the Virtual Global Support Centre; f. Provide content creation support for PEDRR’s social media channels, including LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter; g. Contribute ideas to help increase PEDRR audience engagement across digital channels; h. Support further development and maintenance of the PEDRR website, especially the “About page”, “Experts page”, and “Case studies”. Support the work on Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction: a. Support to developing programmatic content for the DRR Unit, including conducting background research for concept notes and programme documents; b. Support in organizing and executing events, such as webinars and conference side events, including drafting agendas, invitations and preparatory documents, preparing presentations and taking minutes and follow-up on agreed action points; c. Support with the creation of communications products, such as presentations, flyers etc. d. Updating of PEDRR/Eco-DRR websites as requested; e. Support the DRR Unit in data collection and analysis to identify trends or patterns and provides insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting; f. Any other research and communication tasks, as required. Qualifications/special skills1. Master’s Degree (but within 1 year of graduation) or currently enrolled in a Master’s Programme or the final year of undergraduate degree 2. Background in communications, environmental sciences, environmental policy, disaster management, climate change studies, informational graphics, graphic design, environment-related advocacy, or other related fields Strong interest and familiarity with social media and online communications Ability to write clearly and succinctly in English is required Abilities in data collection, compilation, analysis, and reporting with the ability to write in a clear and concise manner Experience in web content management systems and desk-top publishing would be an asset LanguagesFluency and ability to write clearly and succinctly in English is required. Knowledge of French or Spanish would be an advantage. Additional InformationNot available. Intern Specific textInterns 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. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.