CITES Intern - Legal Unit (2 positions)

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates international trade in specimens (plants, animals and parts and derivatives thereof) of about 36,000 species listed in the three Appendices of the Convention. In order to efficiently implement the Convention and ensure that when international wildlife trade occurs, it is legal, sustainable and traceable, Parties to CITES need to have in place adequate national legislation and designate one or more Management and Scientific authorities. The role of the Secretariat is to support Parties in the effective implementation of the Convention and the related Resolutions and Decisions. To further assist Parties and to ensure that the Convention continues to respond to current conservation needs and challenges, the Conference of the Parties is directing the Secretariat to undertake an increasing number of specific activities. The Secretariat is also tasked with organizing the annual meetings of the permanent committees and with organizing smaller ad hoc workshops and consultations.

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer(s) of the CITES Legal Unit, the intern will:

• Assist with conducting research and analyses related to the implementation of specific CoP Decisions and Resolutions
• Assist in conducting background research for the preparation of substantive meeting documents.
• Assist in preparing documents for the meetings of the permanent committees.
• Compile and prepare analyses of information submitted by Parties in response to various calls for information related to their implementation of the Convention.
• Assist with other tasks as assigned by the supervisor

Qualifications/special skills

Applicants must, at the time of application meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent); or (b) be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent or higher); or (c) have graduated with a university degree

Academic qualifications in the following fields: law (public, international, criminal, environmental) or social sciences, law enforcement, policing, criminal justice, homeland security, environmental law.

Excellent writing skills are desirable. Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required.

Interest and motivation to work on legal, compliance, and enforcement matters related to CITES (judiciary, customs, policies, wildlife authority). Knowledge of CITES or similar organizations is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French or Spanish is desirable.

Additional Information

Specific terms of reference will be shared with the successful candidates. Due to the high volume of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.