The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is offering an exciting internship opportunity for individuals passionate about environmental sustainability and international development. This role, titled Programme Management Support Intern, will be stationed at the UNEP Sub-Regional Office in Pretoria, South Africa, for a six-month period. Applications for this position will be accepted until February 4, 2025.
About UNEP and the Programme Management Support Internship
UNEP serves as the leading global environmental authority, setting the environmental agenda, and supporting sustainable development within the United Nations system. Its mandate is to develop environmental policy consensus, review global environmental conditions, and highlight pressing issues to foster action at governmental and international levels.
The South Africa office of UNEP is undergoing a transformation to enhance its support for 16 Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. This internship is central to UNEP’s mission of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and providing cohesive and integrated support to the region.
The position is particularly suited for students or recent graduates eager to contribute to environmental sustainability efforts in Southern Africa. Under the supervision of the Head of the UNEP South Africa office, the intern will play a critical role in coordinating and implementing UNEP activities in the SADC region.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Programme Management Support Intern will be immersed in a variety of tasks aimed at supporting UNEP’s objectives. Key responsibilities include:
- Project Management Support: Assisting with the implementation and monitoring of project activities in the SADC region, ensuring smooth operation and alignment with UNEP’s strategic goals.
- Event Coordination: Organizing meetings, workshops, forums, and high-level outreach events, including World Environment Day celebrations. Responsibilities include preparing agendas, summarizing discussions, drafting minutes, and facilitating follow-up communications.
- Advocacy Campaigns: Supporting educational and awareness initiatives to elevate environmental issues to the same priority as social and economic concerns across SADC Member States.
- Research and Reporting: Developing background materials, sourcing relevant speakers for forums, and preparing detailed reports.
- Communication and Outreach: Creating content for newsletters, social media posts, and other communication platforms to highlight the achievements of UNEP South Africa’s programs.
- General Support: Assisting with the preparation of concept notes and briefings, and undertaking additional responsibilities aligned with the intern’s interests and experience.
This diverse role offers a platform to develop a range of skills while making a tangible impact on environmental sustainability efforts in the region.
Qualifications and Skills
Candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria at the time of application:
- Be enrolled in a graduate program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher).
- Be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent).
- Have recently graduated with a university degree, provided the internship starts within one year of graduation.
While prior work experience is not required, candidates should possess advanced coursework or skills that would benefit UNEP during their internship. Proficiency in oral and written English is mandatory, and knowledge of another official UN language is considered an advantage.
Working Conditions and Additional Information
Internships with UNEP are unpaid. Interns are responsible for arranging their own travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses. Applicants who are not citizens or permanent residents of South Africa may need to obtain appropriate visas and work authorization. Successful candidates will need to address their visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.
UNEP emphasizes that the organization does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Furthermore, applicants should remain cautious of fraudulent activities, such as requests for banking information, as UNEP does not require such information.
How to Apply
Interested individuals are encouraged to submit their applications promptly. The deadline for applications is February 4, 2025. For more details about this Programme Management Support internship opportunity, applicants are advised to visit the official UNEP recruitment portal.
By joining UNEP as an intern, candidates become part of a global effort to address critical environmental challenges and make meaningful contributions to a sustainable future. This role is ideal for those eager to align their academic knowledge and personal passion with impactful work in the field of environmental sustainability.
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This internship provides a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about environmental advocacy to gain valuable experience within the UN system. Interns will develop professional skills in project management, event coordination, advocacy, and communication while contributing to environmental sustainability initiatives across Southern Africa.
Additionally, this role allows interns to engage with key stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, and international organizations, fostering a deeper understanding of regional and global environmental issues.