UNEP Textile Initiative Intern

Work Locationhome based 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. The internship will be supporting the UNEP Textile Initiative, which is located in the Resources and Markets Branch, located in UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division. It leads work on resource efficiency and sustainable consumption and production (SCP) – delivering scientific, credible, innovative solutions to make sustainability central in government policy frameworks, business direction-making and in peoples’ lives. Science is the basis of the Branch's work, applying system approaches, complemented by methods such as life cycle analysis, urban metabolism, participatory action research and integrated analysis. Interventions target improving value chains, procurement processes, and use education and leisure activities like tourism as agents of change. One such value chain is the textile and fashion value chain, with the work under the UNEP Textile Initiative. The UNEP Textile Initiative provides strategic leadership and encourages sector-wide collaboration to accelerate a just transition towards a sustainable and circular textile and fashion value chain. UNEP’s work includes supporting and informing governments, such as through its Global Textile Policy Dialogue, assisting industry, particularly SMEs in developing countries, in shifting towards circular business models, scaling the use of industry standards for circularity, eliminating hazardous chemicals, while adopting a life cycle approach and addressing overproduction and overconsumption to redefine the fashion industry’s economic model. Underpinning all of this is support for evidence-based decision making through its thought leadership reports. The purpose of this internship is to provide support to the UNEP Textile Initiative’s work through a range of technical, research, coordination, and communication activities, while offering the intern an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in sustainable textile and in the UN system. The intern will assist in country-level project activities, including learning about life cycle approaches and circularity in textiles, reviewing project deliverables, and supporting project management processes. The intern will have the opportunity to develop skills in research and analysis by exploring key topics such as chemicals in textiles and fashion consumption trends, while also gaining experience in communications and event coordination through contributions to newsletters, campaigns, and the organization of international events. The internship is unpaid and is for a duration of 6 months. Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual’s background and learning objectives, as well as the team’s priorities during the internship period. Interns work five days per week (35 hours) under the direction of the supervisor (in this case the Textiles Programme Manager) and in cooperation with other staff of the division. The selected candidate can choose whether to work from the UNEP office in Paris or remotely. Remote working across different countries is a long-standing practice in the textiles team, and internship applicants from all regions are encouraged to apply. Working from time zones different to the Paris time zone will be possible. Please note that financial support for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses is not provided by the United Nations, and interns are responsible for arranging and covering these expenses. Tasks: • Supporting country projects of the UNEP Textile Initiative, for instance by learning about life cycle approaches and circularity in textiles and helping review project deliverables on those topics, but also learning about and supporting project management (e.g., call for proposals for project partners, development of implementation plans, review of progress reports) • Conducting research to inform the UNEP textile work, for instance researching the textile sector in a specific country or region, or specific topics such as chemicals in textiles or fashion consumption trends. • Assisting in preparation of training, workshops and international events for various stakeholders under the different work streams of the UNEP Textile Initiative (e.g., on life cycle approaches, on textile policies, on advocacy, on fashion consumption) • Supporting development of UNEP's monthly textile newsletter, and help keeping UNEP’s expert community/ stakeholder databases up to date • Participating in calls with internal and external stakeholders, and reporting key conclusions back to team members as relevant • Supporting outreach activities, such as campaigns on textile and fashion sustainability, organization of webinars and events (e.g., in the framework of the United Nations Environment Assembly and the Global Framework on Chemicals), developing presentations and supporting drafting of concept notes and agendas Qualifications/special skillsApplicants must be a student in the final 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. 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. Preferred area of study: A degree programme in fashion or textiles with some focus on sustainability, or a degree programme in international relations, social sciences, business studies, or a related field, with some focus on sustainable textiles. No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship. Good research skills and ability to compile complex data (e.g. comparison of textile activity between regions, analysis of gender indigenous rights and fashion, new textiles policies). Understanding of global issues linked to sustainability in the textile sector such as circular economy, trade, overproduction and overconsumption, etc. Interest in translating these themes into accessible communication products. LanguagesExcellent writing and communication skills in English are required. The following language skills would be an asset: French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Arabic. 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.