Intern: studies in law, preferably international law/ human rights/ environmental law

Organizational Context

The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Environment and Forests Division seeks interns to support its work on key environmental conventions. This role is based at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, contributing to the implementation of the Aarhus Convention, Espoo Convention, and their related Protocols.

Job Purpose

This internship offers a valuable opportunity to contribute to the work of the UNECE Environment and Forests Division, focusing on critical international environmental law instruments. The intern will gain practical experience by supporting the secretariats of the Aarhus Convention, Espoo Convention, and their Protocols. This involves assisting with the preparation and servicing of intergovernmental meetings, conducting legal and policy research, drafting documents, and contributing to outreach and communication efforts. The role provides exposure to international environmental governance and the practical application of environmental law, contributing to the division's mandate of promoting sustainable environmental practices and access to environmental justice.

Responsibilities

Support the preparation, organization, and servicing of intergovernmental meetings and intersessional activities related to the Espoo Convention and its Protocol on SEA. Conduct legal and policy research, and draft relevant documents for meetings of the Compliance Committees under the Aarhus Convention and its Protocol on PRTRs. Assist in creating outreach materials, drafting articles on the conventions, and updating website and social media content. Help maintain and update convention databases, including the Aarhus Clearinghouse and PRTR.net, through research and editing. Perform other tasks such as desk research, meeting support, report drafting, data processing, and assisting secretariat officers with daily tasks to implement work programmes.

Work Experience

No professional work experience is required for this internship. However, a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to its ideals are essential. The ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds is also important.

Skills

Legal and policy research, drafting documents, meeting preparation and servicing, outreach material creation, content writing, database updating, data processing, desk research, computer literacy (standard software, CMS like Drupal), fluency in English, intercultural communication.

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