CMS Intern (Scientific Unit)

Work Location

Bonn, Germany

Expected duration

3-6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) is a global intergovernmental treaty aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of migratory species and their habitats. Numerous additional intergovernmental instruments on migratory species conservation have been adopted under the broad umbrella of CMS which are supported by the CMS Secretariat. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system's designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. In the present context, UNEP provides the administrative functions for the CMS Secretariat. Interns will work at the CMS Secretariat at the Bonn duty station in Germany. However, the internship can also be a remote internship, if needed, based on the request of a successful candidate. CMS is looking for interns to support the Science Team, which is responsible for the coordination of implementation of the CMS mandates on crosscutting issues, including climate change, wildlife health, illegal taking of migratory species, connectivity and light pollution. The Scientific team also maintains the CMS Appendices and the lists of species including the Range State data and organises meetings of the Sessional Committee of the CMS Scientific Council. Interns may be asked to focus on one or more of the above areas. The internship is for a minimum of three (3) months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of six (6) months. The internship is UNPAID and full-time. Interns work five days per week (40 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned. Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual’s background, as well as the internship period. Under the supervision of the Programme Officer / CMS Scientific Team, tasks during the internship may include the following: • assist with the implementation of Decisions taken at the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CMS (COP15) on crosscutting issues, including climate change, wildlife health, illegal taking of migratory species, connectivity and light pollution; • assist in the planning and coordination of working groups on crosscutting issues, participate in meetings and teleconferences when requested and take notes; • contribute to maintaining the CMS Appendices and of online databases of species listed in the CMS Appendices, • contribute to the development of strategies and action plans; • assist in the preparation and follow-up of meetings and workshops; • contribute to the preparation of background documents for meetings of CMS and its Sessional committee of the Scientific Council; • assist with the development of project proposals for fundraising and assist with the implementation of projects; • contribute to the management of national reporting cycle (development of National Reports format and guidance for Parties); • contribute to development of specific websites on crosscutting issues and communications products; • assist in the preparation of publications, PowerPoint presentations, capacity-building materials (e.g. videos, presentations, handouts) and other outreach material, and • participate at relevant meetings of the CMS Secretariat and assist with the implementation of other aspects of the Secretariats’ work programme.

Qualifications/special skills

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). Preferred area of study for this internship: biology, ecology, zoology, environmental studies, international relations/policy, political sciences, geography, international law or related fields. Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required. Do you meet this criterion? If yes, please indicate your field of study. Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in 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. Applicants must be computer literate in standard software applications. Do you meet this criterion? If yes, please describe the software you are familiar with. Ability to analyse scientific data is desirable. Do you meet this criterion? If yes, please provide examples of past work.

Languages

English is the working language of the CMS Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. Knowledge of French or Spanish is desirable.

Additional Information

Not available.

Intern Specific text

Interns 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 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.