Energy and Environment Intern

The Energy & Environment (EE) component of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is looking for two upcoming young professionals (national) to serve in the capacity of UNDP Interns for a four- six-months period who are committed and passionate about the wise utilization, protection and sustainable management of Namibia’s environment, considering the global, regional and national environmental challenges. Overall, they should aspire to contribute to Namibia’s long-term economic progression, social transformation, environmental sustainability and good governance.

Namibia is amongst the best African conservation successes; 44% of the land mass is under conservation management, and community participation in the management of natural resources has led to an increase of communal conservancies from 66 in 2012 to 92 in 2016; creating about 5,808 jobs in 2014 and generating approximately USD 7.7 million towards local communities’ benefits. Yet, utilization of other natural resources continues to be unsustainable owing to higher demands for such services; expansion of mining; increased volumes of waste and pollution, notably in ecologically sensitive areas. Further, illegal wildlife trade and human wildlife conflict are growing challenges. Weak institutional capacity and inadequate coordination amongst institutions, evidenced in limited implementation and enforcement of existing legislation and compliance with environmental regulations, remain critical challenges. About 20% of urban households cook on fire, and 50% of population relies on daily use of woody biomass for thermal power leading to air pollution and deforestation. Therefore, alternative and diversified renewable energy sources (biomass, solar, wind and hydro) need to be enhanced to improve domestic and economic use of energy in Namibia.

Improved harmonization of environmental policies, including through availability of credible data, will ensure sustainable management of natural resources. Though sparsely populated, the majority of the Namibian population is rural and vulnerable to economic and weather-related shocks, highlighting the need for increased resilience and enhanced ecosystem services. Namibia’s economy is overly dependent on the extractive industry with inadequate investments in economic diversification activities. Jobs and skills mismatch have resulted from limited investment in technical and vocational training perpetuating high unemployment impacting particularly women, youth, persons with disabilities and the marginalized. Weak implementation capacity for inclusive growth strategies is impeding pro-poor income and livelihood activities.

Thus, the UNDP EE Programme focuses on building and catalysing nature-based solutions for economic, social and environmental resilience so that Namibia (the State, the People, and the Institutions) can safeguard its developmental gains and pathways towards sustainable development as articulated in  Agenda 2030; Agenda 2063; Vision 2030; fifth National Development Plans; and policies, strategies and action plans for  water, land, environment, forestry and energy management.
The  current Programme 2019-2023 is geared towards supporting Namibia to better manage environmental risks and enhance capacities (systems, institutions and individuals) required to advance resilience building as outlined in the national development frameworks, with particular emphasis on strengthening national ownership; governance and leadership of institutional mechanisms needed to implement the Environmental Management Act (2007), National Climate Change Policy (2011), Tourism Bill and Strategy; Parks and Protected Areas Management Bill; and the Multilateral Environmental Agreements (i.e. the UNCBD, UNCCD and UNFCCC).

UNDP Current Programme: 2019 -2023 is structured along two streams, i.e.  (A) Sustainable, Inclusive and Green Growth (i.e. (i) Diversified employment, pro-poor income and sustainable livelihoods for women, youth, persons with disabilities and marginalized population and (ii) Sustainable environmental management and enhanced resilience to shocks and crises); and (B) Improved governance for accountable, responsive institutions and civic engagement.

The specific call in question is for two (2) National Interns  to be hosted and seated at the UNDP office, Windhoek, Namibia. This will aid the two to gather and build collective national and international intelligence to enhance nature-based solutions.

The general tasks of the Internship include Concept development, Research and Publication, and Advocacy and Communication. Explicitly, the intern/s will:

1. Aid with researching and analyzing key development trends in Namibia
2. Conduct timely desk top research, analysis, and organizational publication on energy and environment;
3. Provide support to the initiation of new innovative programmes and projects;
4. Provide support with the electronic filing system for administrative and operational management of environmental interventions information;
5. Monitor and keep abreast of developments (socio-economic, population dynamics, trends, etc.) and broad issues related to environmental management in Namibia, and their linkages to development processes in Namibia (using articles, newspapers, and other media sources);
6. Participate in meetings and workshops and prepare reports (edited minutes, concept notes, issue papers, and proposals);
7. Draft human development interest stories in the areas of work that are supported by or with UNDP’ resources;
8. Monitor newspaper clippings, issues and provide weekly assessments on key issues raised w.r.t environmental themes; and
9. Maintain regular communication with key internal (UN) and external stakeholders (covering the public, academia, thin tanks, civil society, and private sector) in the environment, social and economic sectors, and;
10. Ensure exchange of information on planned and on-going activities.

The specific tasks of the Internship include:

• Support research and development of energy and environmental initiatives;
• Support research and development for environmental financing strategies esp. on climate financing, renewable energy, and SDGs 13, 14 and 15;
• Establish, build relationship with NGOs, CBOs, Academia, government, and development partners active in the fields of energy and environment and development financing;
• Formulate project profiles, manage project information, and create project profile databases; 
• Monitoring of environmental issues in various media platforms;
• Learn about at least two existing project initiatives, in-depth, applying the knowledge during the internship period;
• Learn and grow on the project management requirements;
• Seek opportunities for studying further at MA levels, in line with the environmental field; and
• Organize workshops, provide administrative and logistical support.

• Excellent communication skills;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Excellent research and analytical skills;
• Attention to details;
• Ability to work in a team: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals and keep focus on results;
• Good self-management, hardworking, commitment and diligence;
• Maintain confidentiality and principled manners.
• Pleasant personality will serve as advantage.

Education:

• Student currently enrolled in a Master’s Degree in environmental studies or any other international development related field/s;
• Student who have attained Bachelors in the above-mentioned fields in 2018 or 2019.

Criteria for selection:

In addition to the Education, prospective Intern Applicants must fulfill and meet the following first five criteria:

• Recent BA or MA graduates (2018-19) or registered MA students majoring in either environmental studies or any other international development related field/s. 
• Excellent academic performance (attach a copy of your most recent/latest grading report with your application) or Thesis topic.
• Outstanding performance on practical or applied assignment/s or most relevant Thesis topic.
• Fluent in written and spoken English with excellent communication skills.
• A reference and or supporting letter from one of your University Professors or holiday working experiences); in addition.
• Graduates with a keen interest or focus on development/environmental financing, ecosystem services, climate change adaptation and resilience, renewable energy will get preferences.
• Advanced Graduates who are pursuing MA in the field of environmental economics, development financing or climate financing will get preferences.

Language:

Fluency in oral and written English.  Working knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

Submissions:

• Candidates should submit 1) a brief, clear and articulate CV and 2) letter of motivation.
• Evidence that they will be committed for at least a period of four-six months will be needed.
• Endorsement letter or letter of reference from a faculty member or work experience, if applicable.
• Valid Contact email address and mobile/cell phone number.

Reporting:

The Interns will be reporting on a day-to-day to the Programme Head /Specialist, while interacting with and working in collaborations with entire UNDP Programme and Operation Teams, and other UN Agencies in Namibia.

INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS

• UNDP will provide a stipend in the amount of N$3,588.56 monthly in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP Internship policy. All expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern or her/his sponsoring entity;
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
• Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed;
• Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship;
• Interns must provide proof of enrolment in health insurance plan;
• Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity;
• Interns are expected to work full time, but flexibility is allowed for education programmes;
• Interns need to obtain financing for subsistence and make own arrangements for internship, travel, visa, accommodation, etc.