Intern Energy 038 Environment at UNDP

Job Description

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

The UNDP country office in Zambia has the prime responsibility for delivering high quality policy and technical advice to the country authorities / government and other stakeholders within its areas of focus, which include Governance and Gender; Environment and Climate Change; and Inclusive Growth and SDGs. Strengthening the capacity of the country office to engage in more proactive policy dialogue with the government and other development partners, should contribute to improving the responsiveness of UNDP’s support to projects and programmes at the country level to evolving development challenges and priorities.

In this regard, the Energy and Environment Unit, one of the five key units in the UNDP Coun-try Office, UNDP works with the Government and people of Zambia to achieve the vision 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the implementation of the 8th Na-tional Development Plan. The Energy and Environment Unit at UNDP Zambia focuses on ad-vancing sustainable development in Zambia through renewable energy access, energy tran-sition, climate change mitigation, and adaptation strategies.

The interns will work in the Environment and Energy Unit, which currently includes the Pro-gramme Specialist, a Programme Analyst. The Programme specialist is the Head of Unit. The interns will support the implementation of the two projects, the Community Recovery and Resilience Facility and Just Transition Projects and report to the Programme Analyst. The intern’s interaction with the Programme analyst will take place daily as well as through reg-ular Unit meetings, thus allowing for continuous feedback. Performance Appraisal as per standard procedure. The Unit, through the Programme Specialist, reports directly to the UNDP Resident Representative.

In performing their tasks, the intern will be interacting with both the Communities, state and non-state actors during the implementation of the Community Recovery and Resilient Facility Project. State actors include the government counterparts, particularly from the DMMU under the Office of the Vice President, Ministry of green economy and Environment, Ministry of agriculture and Ministry of Energy. Non- State actors include civil society organisations, private sector, academia, research institutions, cooperating partners, and other UN agencies. The government is the main actor in implementing Unit project.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of Programme Analyst, the Intern will undertake the following tasks:

• Support the work of the Environment and Energy portfolio across various thematic areas, including policy, project implementation, monitoring and reporting.

• Conduct literature reviews on key themes in energy and environment.

• Analyse and synthesize data, research findings, and policy documents related to en-ergy, environment, natural resources management, climate change and disaster risk reduction

• Prepare regular reports and updates on sustainable energy, SDG7 integration, and cross-cutting areas like gender equality, governance, and climate.

• Provide administrative and logistical support for stakeholders meetings, workshops, webinars, trainings, conferences, retreats and any other special events;

• Collect and disseminate information related to the Unit’s thematic areas, including inputs for donor reports and provides information when requested from various sources;

• Scan and ensure proper digital filing of all Unit documents that must be retained in support of corporate policies.

• Contribute to outreach activities targeting partners and stakeholders.

• Support other/ad hoc activities as seen relevant and needed.

Competencies

The intern should have the following skills and competencies:

Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership.
Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations.
Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; and ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner.
Ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.
Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender.
Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Candidates must at the time of application meet ONE of the following requirements:

Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher);
Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);
Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (1) and (2) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.
Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.

Experience:

No working experience is required to apply for the internship. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship.
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
Previous internship or work experience in energy, environment, sustainability, or related projects is desirable, an added advantage
Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports
Experience with data analysis, computer skills, or research activities is an asset
Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations
Applicants with experience in environment, communications, sustainable development and livelihood enhancement is an asset