The Life Cycle Initiative is a public-private, multi-stakeholder partnership fostering progress towards sustainable development through (1) advancing the understanding of life cycle thinking by private and public decision makers and of the decision-making process by life cycle experts, in order to improve decisions that need assessing, and comparing products, technologies, lifestyles and economy-wide choices; and (2) building consensus on and facilitating the access to environmental, social and economic life cycle knowledge (LCA data, methods, indicators, etc.).

The intern will work on projects related to Life Cycle Thinking (LCT) and Resource Efficiency.

The Life Cycle Initiative internship is for six (6) months.
The Internship is UNPAID and full-time.
Interns work five days per week (35-40 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned.

Responsibilities

Duties may include, but are not limited to:
•Provide day-to-day support for project-related activities within the Unit/Secretariat (drafting of documents, minutes, and presentations; updating and maintaining the Initiative’s members/sponsors list and related documents).
•Assist with research and data collection on themes related to life cycle thinking, hotspot analysis, and related themes according to the Programme Officers’ needs.
•Assist with research and data collection on due diligence for sponsors of the Life Cycle Initiative (www.lifecycleinitiative.org), as well as preparing outreach for new sponsors and members in line with the new Life Cycle Initiative strategy.
•Contribute towards the Unit’s communications activities, including web development and online presentation of materials and keeping websites up-to-date.
•Assist with the logistical preparation of meetings, events, and webinars organized by the unit, including the preparation of presentations and other documents and drafting summary reports.
•Assist with cross-unit collaboration opportunities.

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);
b. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent);
c. Have graduated with a university degree

– Be computer literate in standard software applications;
-Have a 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.

Preferred area of study: Studies in Environmental Policy/Management/Sciences/Engineering; International Affairs/Relations, preferably related to sustainable development issues

Work Experience

Is your field of study closely related to the type of internship you are applying for?
Will you be able to cover the costs of travel, accommodation and other living expenses for the duration of the internship?
Are you a student in a Bachelor’s (final year), Master’s or Ph.D. programme or equivalent, or have you completed a degree course?

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required for the Internship Programme.

Assessment

Potential candidates will be contacted by the 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
– Graduation Date
– IT skills and programmes you are proficient in
– Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship

Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme, ensure to include all past work experience (if any).

2. Proof of enrollment 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.