Background Information - Job-specific
UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian, and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.
The New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management. The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides Services to partners' programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.
UNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to implement the project activities for the Global Programme on Nature for Development.
UNDPโs Global Programme on Nature for Development brings together three different initiatives -- the Equator Initiative, Learning for Nature, and the National Biodiversity Initiative under one program to identify, foster, showcase and celebrate nature-based solutions that help achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at local, national, and international levels. The work of the Global Programme on Nature for Development contributes to UNDP's Strategic Plan 2018-2021 by charting sustainable development pathways through the conservation, restoration and sustainable management of biodiversity and ecosystems; and by promoting inclusive and effective democratic governance in natural resources.
The Equator Initiative brings together the United Nations, governments, civil society, businesses and grassroots organizations to recognize and advance local sustainable development solutions for people, nature and resilient communities. The Equator Initiative seeks to:
- Recognize the success of local and indigenous initiatives.
- Create opportunities and platforms to share knowledge and good practice.
- Inform policy to foster an enabling environment for local and indigenous community action; and
- Develop the capacity of indigenous peoples and local communities to scale-up their impact.
The National Biodiversity Initiative supports countries to manage their ecosystems and biodiversity to improve national planning and governance of biodiversity, ecosystems, and development, and to
promote resilience for sustainable development. The National Biodiversity Initiative works in three project areas: National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) Support, National Reporting, and Capacity Building. The use of spatial data for spatial planning is a cross-cutting theme across these project areas, including work through our flagship platform UN Biodiversity Lab, created in partnership with UN Environment and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Knowledge Sharing is a main goal of the Equator Initiative, Learning for Nature and the National Biodiversity Initiative. The Equator Initiative has a large series of research papers, books, and other publications focusing on local approaches to poverty reduction and conservation, informed by community-based initiatives.180 case studies in over 30 languages have documented the Equator Prize winnersโ innovative practices that deliver the win-win-win solutions that ensure social, economic, and environmental sustainability. The National Biodiversity Initiative share knowledge on the role of spatial data in biodiversity planning, policymaking, and reporting through blogs, case studies, and story maps.
Learning for Nature is a capacity-building offer provided by the Global Programme on Nature for Development, cutting across the three areas of work. This program connects biodiversity policymakers, change-makers, and on-the-ground subject matter experts to facilitate the delivery of the Convention on Biological Diversityโs Aichi Biodiversity Targets and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Access to the global multi-stakeholder networks mobilized by the Equator Initiative, Learning for Nature, and the National Biodiversity Initiative allows Learning for Nature to circulate knowledge while promoting best practices. Building on our learnings on the ground, Learning for Nature seeks synergies, builds linkages, and engages thousands of course participants through Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), webinars, self-paced e-learning modules, and private training courses.
For further information please go to: www.equatorinitiative.org, www.nbsapforum.net, www.learningfornature.org, www.unbiodiversitylab.org
These positions to support projects which UNOPS is implementing for the United Nations Development Programme. The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.
Functional ResponsibilitiesAs a cross-cutting service to the initiatives referenced above, the Global Programme on Nature for Development is seeking Interns to conduct research and implementation support on a continuous basis to ground the projectโs activities scientifically, to complement program and project development, and to identify synergies with existing initiatives both internal and external to the UN system. The support needed also consists of support in โscanning the horizonโ for new initiatives and innovations in the sector, as well as assistance with special projects such as publications, communications, and research support to the Global Programmeโs manager in her role advising UNDP senior management.
The Intern will carry out the following tasks:
- Support the development of e-learning courses, capacity-building events and workshops related but not limited to the contributions of natural capital to sustainable development; biodiversity and ecosystems in national, local, and international contexts; forest management; local communities and indigenous peoples; social entrepreneurship and impact investing; involvement in global policy processes; spatial planning in national biodiversity reporting processes; communications about environmental change; sustainable supply chains and deforestation-free commodities; innovative finance solutions for the environment.
- With guidance from the programme manager and/or project managers/coordinators, draft and edit online learning materials, support the design of interactive learning activities and other knowledge products.
- Support the coordination and liaison with government, UNDP Country Offices counterparts and relevant civil society groups to implement the Global Programme on Nature for Developmentโs activities.
- Liaise with partners and coordinate the collection of their content for the production and hosting of e-learning offerings, including the creation of learning environments.
- Support the Equator Prize selection cycle contributing to the outreach process and review of projects submitted by stakeholders.
- Support the organization and production of flagship events and ceremonies held by the Nature for Development programme.
- Contribute to the drafting and updating of social media materials and digital products.
- Assist with publishing articles, press releases, photos, graphics and multimedia elements on official UN websites and social media.
- Attend team meetings as necessary. Meetings are primarily in English, but ability to engage in meetings in Spanish and/or French is highly valued.
- Provide general administrative support including taking meeting minutes, setting up meetings, etc.
- Support the production of a variety of e-learning offerings, including through instructional design, webinar coordination and user support.
- Support knowledge management efforts and gathering and dissemination of best practices, including data analysis.
- Support communications efforts, such as drafting of press releases, talking points, articles for magazines and journals, social media materials and photo stories.
- Support translation of content from English to Spanish and French and/or other UN languages.
- Excellent written and verbal skills; and determination to meet deadlines.
- Strong personal interest for issues related to nature; climate change; biodiversity; human/civil/indigenous rights; social entrepreneurship/impact investing; local economic development; civil society engagement and education; diversity and inclusion of marginalized groups; intercultural understanding and cooperation.
- Perform ad hoc tasks for all Nature for Development Programme related deliverables.
Additional comments
- The Intern will be given access to relevant information necessary for the execution of the tasks under this assignment.
- Given the global consultations to be undertaken during this assignment, the Intern is expected to be reasonably flexible with his/her availability for such consultations taking into consideration different time zones. Education/Experience/Language requirements
*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
Education: - Currently enrolled in a university programme such as Bachelor, Masters, or Ph.D. (or the equivalent) or have graduated from such studies within three (3) years prior to the application date of the internship. Internship related experience: (The following skills and experience are desirable but not required)
- Experience working on at least one of the following topics at a conceptual and/or practical level is desirable: education; instructional design; biodiversity/climate change; human/civil/indigenous rights; social entrepreneurship/impact investing; capacity building; local economic development; and stakeholder engagement.
Computer Literacy
Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office programs, particularly with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word and other publishing software is highly desirable. Language:Fluency in English with excellent oral and written communication skills is required. Fluency in additional UN languages is highly desirable. Competencies Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Internship
Contract level: Intern
Internship duration: 2 months (with possibility of extension, subject to satisfactory performance, availability of funds and necessity of services, up to 6 months)
This internship is not designed to lead to a staff position with UNOPS. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of the internship.
Interns may be eligible for a monthly stipend from UNOPS provided that they do not receive funds from other institutions.
For more details about UNOPS internships please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Internships-and-volunteering.aspx Additional Information
Terms and Conditions
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda. It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.