Intern - Project Management (Capacity Building), Bonn, Germany

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) portfolio, based in Vienna, with global offices, is part of the UNOPS Global Portfolio Office.

The portfolio has managed a portfolio of over 500 million USD over the last 15 years to support key initiatives with fund management, project implementation and administrative support.

WEC operationalizes partners' agendas with global approaches, as well as regional and country‑specific activities focused on climate action, protection and conservation of the environment.

Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT)

ICAT was established in 2015 at the COP that adopted the Paris Agreement to support implementation of the Agreement’s Enhanced Transparency Framework.

ICAT works with over 50 developing countries ranging from large countries, like Nigeria, to small islands, such as Antigua & Barbuda.

ICAT provides countries with tailored support and practical tools and methodologies to build robust transparency frameworks needed for effective climate action in sync with national development priorities.

Projects ICAT supports relate to: building or enhancing transparency frameworks for mitigation; building a monitoring and evaluation approach for adaptation; building or enhancing frameworks to track progress in implementing nationally determined contributions; assessing the impacts of climate policies; estimating or enhancing projections of greenhouse gases; integrating and/or aggregating climate actions at the subnational level and by non‑State actors; building a tracking system for just transition processes; establishing or enhancing a climate data system; and putting in place a framework to track climate finance.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Technical Specialist – Environmental, the incumbent will be responsible for supporting capacity‑building activities under ICAT, in particular training activities and the development of the ICAT toolbox.

The incumbent may also be asked to conduct background research related to different aspects of ICAT’s work and activities, and support the development of outreach material and events.

1. Capacity Building and Training Support

• Support the planning and programme management of capacity‑building activities, particularly training (both online and in‑person).


• Assist in the logistics and administration tasks for online and in‑person training events, including communication with participants.


• Assist in the review of training content and development of facilitation plans, including liaising with training partners, subject matter experts and service providers.


• Assist in the organization of presentations and other communication material.

2. Toolbox Support

• Support the coordination of activities and tracking of deliverables under the ICAT toolbox, including liaising with relevant partners and institutions.


• Assist in the preparation of terms of reference for new tools and guides, including conducting research on technical topics related to climate change.


• Support ICAT MELU focal points on evaluations.


• Support the organization and delivery of outreach events and activities such as webinars, including assisting in the preparation of outreach and communication material.

3. Research Support

• Assist with background research on aspects related to the work of ICAT. Assistance will also be required for research on specific topics related to the countries covered by ICAT, with a focus on their GHG emissions and climate policies and actions in a global, regional and national perspective, in particular, nationally determined contributions and biennial transparency reports.


• Perform other duties as required based on ICAT Secretariat’s needs.

Training Components and Learning Elements

The incumbent will have the opportunity to join the ICAT Secretariat meetings, including any relevant high‑level meetings, and get exposure to key stakeholders involved with climate action and transparency, such as other UN agencies (e.g. UNFCCC, UNEP, UNDP, UNSSC, UNU), several country and multi‑partner donors, international non‑governmental organisations and representatives from country beneficiaries.

The incumbent will also have full access to UNOPS intranet, the Project ERP system and the Communities of Practice (COPs) in Project Management, Gender Mainstreaming, Innovation and Research, Sustainable Infrastructure, etc.

Participation in Missions or Training Courses

The incumbent will have access to the UNOPS Learning Zone and apply for training in Programme Management, Gender Mainstreaming, Coaching, Competency Based Interviews and mandatory training as per UNOPS policy.

Education / Experience / Language Requirements

• The incumbent should be enrolled in a university programme such as Bachelor or Masters OR have graduated from such studies within three (3) years prior to the application date of the internship and be in possession of a residence permit or nationality permitting them to stay and conduct the internship in Germany during the full time of the internship.


• Area of study should preferably relate to climate change, development studies, and/or environmental management.

Internship‑Related Experience

• Climate change


• Capacity Building


• Research

Computer Literacy

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office/Google Suite is essential.


• Proficiency in the use of Articulate programmes would be an asset.

Language Requirements

• Proven fluency of English – oral and written required.


• Proficiency in Spanish and/or French would be a distinct advantage.

Additional Considerations

• Strong data analysis skills.


• Ability to synthesize large amounts of information and communicate it clearly.


• Efficient time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple ongoing projects alongside tasks requiring a quick turnaround.


• The incumbent is responsible for abiding by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.


• The incumbent is responsible for arranging their own travel and securing any necessary visas.


• The incumbent should provide confirmation that they are fit specifically for the duty station conditions, as certified by a medical practitioner. Interns are responsible for receiving clearance from a medical doctor.

Contract Type, Level and Duration – Internship

Contract type: Internship.

Contract level: N/A.

Contract duration: 6 months, with possibility for extension up to 12 months based on funds availability.

This internship is not designed to lead to a staff position with UNOPS. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of the internship.

Interns may be eligible for a monthly stipend from UNOPS provided that they do not receive funds from other institutions. Further, UNOPS may provide a one‑time travel lump sum. However, they must make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and necessary visa arrangements.

For more details about UNOPS internships please follow this link:

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others.

For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilising appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximises our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behaviour. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem‑solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.


• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.


• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.


• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.


• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialised and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.


• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.


• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.


• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.


• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

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