Job Opening

Org. Setting and Reporting

The UN 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. This position is located in UNEP, Headquarters, Nairobi –Corporate Services Division, Administration Unit. The Unit coordinates and facilitates Facilities Management, Procurement, Risk Management and Travel.

The duration of the internship is for a minimum of three and a maximum of six months. The Internship is UNPAID and full-time. Interns work five days per week (35-40 hours) under the direct supervision of the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Officer – in close collaboration with the Head of Administration – and supports the planning, designing and implementation of an overall risk management process for UNEP.

Responsibilities

The position, which has clearly defined output requirements, includes – but is not limited to – the following responsibilities:

Provide support to ERM Officer in:
•designing and implementing a –qualitative and quantitative – research methodology, including surveys among staff members worldwide;
•conducting interviews with the Executive Office, Directors and MEA Directors;
•organizing research and validation workshops with staff and senior management;
•Attending and summarizing meetings.

Assist on:
•the design of a tailored UNEP: -Risk Universe and Catalogue, – Risk Dashboard, -Residual Risk Heat Map, – Reference Maturity Model (RMM), -Internal Control Statement, and other tools and visualizations senior management deems necessary;
•the determination of scoring criteria for the measurement of Impact, Likelihood and Level of Internal Control Effectiveness, and Organizational Risk Appetite;
•the draft – and implementation of – a detailed Risk Treatment and Response plan defined for the top-ten risks identified as priority.

Further responsibilities include:
•Risk reporting in an appropriate way for different audiences i.e. Leadership Group, Executive Office and Directors;
•Assisting the ERM Officer on external risk reporting to stakeholders;
•Assisting Divisions, Regional Offices and Multi-Lateral Environmental Agreements in risk evaluation;
•Providing administrative support on an as-needed basis.

Competencies

Communication:
•Speaks and writes clearly and effectively;
•Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
•Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
•Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience;
•Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork:
•Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;
•Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others
•Places team agenda before personal agenda;
•Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position;
•Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Client Orientation:
•Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view;
•Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect;
•Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions;
•Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems;
•Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects;
•Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

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) in the fields such as: Statistics, Economics, Finance, Business Administration, Data Science, Development Studies or any related areas;
b. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent) in the fields such as: Statistics, Economics, Finance, Business Administration, Data Science, Development Studies or any related areas;
c. Have graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation.
Be computer literate in standard software applications.
Have demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter;
Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Learning elements and expectations
Upon completion of the assignment the young talent/ intern will:
•have substantive knowledge of risk assessment and management issues in UNEP and be able to advise on potential best practices and approaches;
•have gained a better appreciation of current and emerging risk management issues and their application within the UN- Secretariat;
•have improved analytical and research skills in the areas of risk assessment and management, and in the planning, designing and development of a risk management process and implementation plan;
•have improved communication skills through interaction with UN Environment staff, Executive and Senior Management, governments and partner organizations;
•be able to apply Enterprise Risk Management processes in both the private and international development sector;
•have gained a better understanding of the UNEP HQ operations, and the overall UN system.

Work Experience

Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme.

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 an advantage.

Assessment

Potential candidates will be contacted by hiring manager directly for further consideration.

Special Notice

Your application for this internship must include:
1. A completed application (Personal History Profile) and Cover Note, through the UN careers Portal. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

The Cover Note must include:
•Title of the degree you are currently pursuing;
•(Expected) Graduation Date;
•Date of availability;
•List the IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in;
•Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship;
•Explain your experience in research and analysis (quantitative and qualitative);
•Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme, ensure to include all past work experience (if any).
2. Proof of enrolment from current University (if not graduated).
3. A copy of degree certificate (if you have already graduated).

Due to a high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted.

Other Skills and Requirements

•Excellent writing skills, as well as strong analytical aptitude and communication skills;
•Demonstrated quantitative and qualitative research skills;
•Skilled in working with data management, – analysis and visualization tools;
•Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task;
•Knowledge of information technology.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE 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.