Application Deadline : 25-Oct-18 (Midnight New York, USA)
Additional Category : Climate & Disaster Resilience
Type of Contract : Internship
Post Level : Intern
Languages Required : English
Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 01-Nov-2018
Duration of Initial Contract : Six months
Expected Duration of Assignment : Six months
Background
The Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Network (BES-Net) is a capacity sharing ‘network of networks’ that promotes dialogue between science, policy and practice for more effective management of biodiversity and ecosystems, contributing to long-term human well-being and sustainable development.
BES-Net complements and contributes to the capacity building work of the Intergovernmental Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) by aligning its activities with the IPBES global assessment themes and applying the related IPBES guidance documents. In implementing its mandate, BES-Net follows an inclusive approach, collaborates with Multilateral Environmental Agreements, and draws on the support of other partner organizations.
The BES-Net initiative is carried out through three inter-linked activities:
- Face-to-face capacity building support through Trialogues: Trialogues bring together BES-Net’s three target communities of science, policy and practice for face-to-face dialogues. Fostering mutual learning, inter-cultural understanding and inter-institutional coordination on specific policy-relevant questions at the national and regional levels, Trialogues strengthen the interface between these communities and enhance national capacity to integrate scientific findings into policy, decision-making and on-the-ground practices.
- National Ecosystem Assessments (NEA): BES-Net supports the development of capacity in selected countries to conduct NEAs, complementing the global assessment being undertaken by IPBES. Leveraging the expertise of the Sub-Global Assessment Network (SGAN), the NEA process encompasses not only the production of national assessment reports but also the development of a set of policy support tools to integrate assessment findings into decision-making.
- Online Platforms for networking: The BES-Net web portal provides a comprehensive knowledge resource library on biodiversity and ecosystems services, and a rich database of organizations and experts working on the IPBES thematic assessment areas. The latest news and updates from BES-Net and its network partners are circulated via social media channels and disseminated through bi-monthly e-newsletters.
BES-Net is hosted by United Nations Development Programme, under the Global Policy Center on Resilient Ecosystems and Desertification (GC-RED) based in Nairobi, while the UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC) coordinates and manages NEA at the global level.
The purpose of this internship is to contribute to the BES-Net team’s communication and outreach efforts by assisting in maintaining and updating the BES-Net web-portal and social media channels.
Duties and Responsibilities
Support the management and moderation of the BES-Net online communication and outreach tools
- Become familiar with the BES-Net project online tools;
- Assist in uploading knowledge resources (e.g. documents, videos, etc.) on BES-Net web portal;
- Assist with moderation and updating of the different part of the web portal, including the events and vacancies pages and moderate online discussion pages;
- Assist in circulating biodiversity and ecosystem services related news and updates by BES-Net and the network partners through social media channels; and
- Regularly review the web portal content and provide inputs in terms of user experience to further improve its usefulness.
Undertake online research to identify new knowledge resources, vacancies, upcoming event information and other news updates relevant to the BES-Net themes;
- Research peer-reviewed scientific articles, grey literature, reports on best practices and experience learnt as well as videos and e-learning courses on given thematic areas and on cross-cutting areas in the field of biodiversity and ecosystem services; and
- Regularly visit the BES-Net partners’ websites and social media channels and identify relevant new and resources to be featured on the BES-Net web portal and social media channels.
Support in liaising with existing and potential BES-Net users/experts (individuals) and partners (organizations);
- Support the communication activities of BES-Net through the development of databases, dissemination material, contribution to share events on the social media and on the BES-Net portal, social network channels updates and contribute to newsletters; and
- Assist in identifying potential partners and inviting/engaging them to/in the network.
Competencies
- Excellent organization skills;
- Detail oriented;
- Ability to organize and summarize scientific information with ease and accuracy;
- Works toward creative solutions by analysing problems carefully and logically;
- Ability to work both independently in a team; and
- Ability to acknowledge and respond constructively to the points of view of others.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (must be within one-year of graduation)
- Currently enrolled in a Master’s study in Environmental Science, communication or a field relevant to these terms of reference
Experience:
- Experience in analysing and producing environmental science knowledge products
- Knowledge and experiences of website content management, online communication, networking and social media tools
Language:
- Strong verbal/written communication skills in English
- Knowledge of another UN language(s) is beneficial
Institutional Arrangements:
- The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya and will be supervised by the BES-Net Coordinator and the BES-Net Officer.
General Terms and Conditions:
- This position is open to Kenyan nationals only;
- Interns are not financially remunerated by UNDP. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of: (a) the nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or (b) the intern, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence through private sources;
- Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP and must provide a medical certificate of good health prior to starting the internship. UNDP will not reimburse the medical insurance of the intern. Any costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship assignment will be the responsibility of the intern;
- Applicants for internships must show proof of valid medical insurance for the duty station in which they will intern;
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
More Information
- Job City Nairobi
