United Nations University’s Mission: The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars, engaged in research, postgraduate teaching and capacity development and dissemination of knowledge in furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. For more information, please visitwww.unu.edu.
UNU-EHS, established in December 2003, addresses the risk and vulnerability aspects of human security and the consequences of complex environmental hazards for sustainable development. The work of UNU‐EHS helps to improve the in‐depth understanding of the cause effect relationships to find ways to reduce risks and vulnerabilities. The Institute supports policymakers and decision makers with evidence‐based research and information.
The Environmental Migration, Social Vulnerability & Adaptation Section – EMSVA- undertakes empirical research on social vulnerability and resilience as well as human mobility. The section also addresses climate change adaptation including a range of activities such as disaster risk reduction and insurance-related approaches to help vulnerable countries and communities.
The Munich Climate Insurance Initiative (MCII) was initiated by Munich Re in April 2005 in response to the growing realization that insurance solutions can play a role in adaptation to climate change, as suggested in the Framework Convention and the Kyoto Protocol. This initiative is hosted at the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) and is formed by insurers, climate change and adaptation experts, NGOs, and policy researchers intent on finding solutions to the risks posed by climate change. MCII provides a forum and gathering place for insurance-related expertise applied to climate change issues.
Responsibilities:
· Conduct literature reviews and reference searches on the use of climate risk insurance for low income populations through relevant reports, journals, and grey literature: ´
· Explore options for creating a climate risk knowledge platform;
· Collect experiences and lessons learned of existing insurance projects, to systematically advance in development of evidence based strategic concepts;
· Support MCII in preparations on the way to COP 21 in Paris (e.g. preparation of side events and workshops or documents for distribution in Paris);
· Provide administrative support for international conferences- such as writing invitation letters, updating participant database, drafting programme, etc.;
· Assist with managing the MCII website;
· Assist in drafting and editing English documents.
Qualifications and Requirements:
Field of Study: Master degree in a relevant field: economics, finance, geography, politics, adaptation to climate change, disaster risk insurance and/or disaster risk management.
Essential Skills and attributes:
· Excellent command of English and experience writing various documents in English, and preferably other UN languages and German,
· Good knowledge of office programs,
· A willingness to learn new technology skills and methods,
· Ability to be flexible and multitask,
· Experience in developing countries and preferably also in international organizations,
· Strong computer skills,
· Good quantitative skills including statistical analysis,
· High motivated and team oriented person.
Desired Skills:
· Strong interest in climate change adaptation, risk management
· Some practical work experience in a professional office setting would be an asset,
· An interest in scientific research and science-policy-interaction,
· Willingness to work in a culturally diverse environment.
Teaching/learning objectives:
· Acquire knowledge and gain hands-on experience related to international governmental organization, such as, data collection and writing processes;
· Find insight into science-policy-practice;
· Understanding of the project work and related activities of UNU and the UN System;
· Gain work experience within UN international working environment.
Duration:
The successful candidate will be based at UNU-EHS in Bonn on a full-time basis (35 hours per week) for a contractual period ranging between 3-6 months. The internship is not remunerated.
Starting Date:
ASAP (latest start date: 26 October 2015)
HOW TO APPLY:
Application Procedure:
Interested applicants should submit their application, preferably by e-mail, and must include the following:
· Curriculum Vitae in English;
· Cover letter in English: outlining your motivations, possible contributions to the programme and future career goals;
· Completed UNU-EHS application form (downloadable at: http://www.ehs.unu.edu/article/read/about-the-internship-programme-at-un... under Links & Documents);
· Two letters of recommendation.
For the information about the application procedure, please visithttp://www.ehs.unu.edu/article/read/internship-application-procedure.
Workforce diversity is essential to UNU. Suitably qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds including minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be handled with the strictest confidence.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Unsuccessful applications will not be acknowledged nor returned.
If you have any questions, please contact us at internship-applications@ehs.unu.edu.
