CITES Intern - Legal Unit (2 positions)

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Secretariat supports Parties in implementing the Convention. This internship is within the CITES Legal Unit in Geneva, focusing on supporting Parties' implementation of CITES regulations and decisions.

Job Purpose

This internship within the CITES Legal Unit aims to support the Secretariat's role in assisting Parties with the effective implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. The intern will contribute to research and analysis on specific CITES decisions and resolutions, assist in preparing substantive meeting documents, and compile and analyze information submitted by Parties. This role is crucial for ensuring that international wildlife trade is legal, sustainable, and traceable, and for helping CITES respond to current conservation needs and challenges. The internship provides a practical learning experience in international environmental law and policy.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the CITES Legal Unit Programme Officer(s), the intern will conduct research and analyses related to the implementation of specific Conference of the Parties (CoP) Decisions and Resolutions. Responsibilities include assisting in background research for substantive meeting documents and preparing documents for permanent committee meetings. The intern will also compile and prepare analyses of information submitted by Parties regarding their implementation of the Convention. Additional tasks as assigned by the supervisor will be undertaken to support the Legal Unit's objectives and the effective functioning of CITES.

Work Experience

Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study closely related to the internship is required. Interest and motivation in legal, compliance, and enforcement matters related to CITES, including judiciary, customs, policies, and wildlife authority, are important. Knowledge of CITES or similar organizations is desirable.

Skills

Research and analysis, document preparation, information compilation and analysis, excellent writing skills, interest in legal, compliance, and enforcement matters related to CITES, knowledge of CITES or similar organizations (desirable), fluency in English, knowledge of French or Spanish (desirable).

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