Intern – Climate Action (UG)

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration.

The Internship Programme aims at attracting talented students and graduates who have a specific interest in, or whose studies have covered, areas relevant to IOM programmes and activities. Interns must be between 20 and 36 years old and should have less than two years of relevant working experience. 

In general, the Internship Programme aims at attracting talented students and graduates who:

1. have a specific interest in, or whose studies have covered, areas relevant to IOM programmes and activities;
2. are holding a scholarship for internship placements in international organizations and/or for whom internship is required to complete their studies; or
3. are sponsored by governmental/non-governmental institutions and/or academia to work in specific areas relevant to both IOM and the sponsor.
4. are either enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent) or have graduated in the last 12 months.
5. are between 20 and 36 years of age.

Background Information

Climate change and environmental degradation are profoundly reshaping contemporary migration patterns worldwide in diverse ways. Some people move in reaction to sudden onset events – such as flooding, droughts and extreme weather events that are becoming more frequent, intense, and harmful as a consequence of climate change and of environmental degradation. Slow onset events such as desertification, coastal erosion, sea level rise, ocean acidification, glacial retreat, melting permafrost, ecosystem loss and deforestation also influence directly and indirectly migration decisions.

International Organization for Migration (IOM) promotes a comprehensive, evidence and rights-based approach to migration in the context of climate change and environmental degradation, for the benefit of migrants and societies. IOM understands the links between migration, environment, and climate change through the lens of human security and is committed to put vulnerable people at the centre of its responses. When well managed migration becomes a safe and accessible choice, it can help people adapt to environmental and climate change pressures.

In line with IOM’s Strategic Plan 2024-2028, the Climate Road Map and the Institutional Strategy on Migration, Environment and Climate Change 2021-2030, IOM’s Climate Change programming is informed by the following
three broad objectives in managing environmental migration, intervening at each stage of the
migration cycle:

- “Solutions for people to move” - Managing migration in the context of climate change, environmental degradation, and disasters due to natural hazards.
- “Solutions for people on the move” - Assisting and protecting migrants and displaced persons in the context of climate change, environmental degradation, and disasters due to natural hazards.
- “Solutions for people to stay” - Making migration a choice by building resilience and addressing the adverse climatic and environmental drivers that compel people to move.

Supervision

Under the direct supervision of the Thematic Specialist Climate Resilience, the Intern will support the Climate Action Division (CAD) by assisting with communication materials, social media, background research, talking points, and the preparation of CAD’s participation in the 31st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP31) as well as the UN Water Conference and other events and engagements. 

Responsibilities

The intern will provide CAD with assistance in various areas of its work. Tasks will include:

1. Updating of CAD’s environmental migration portal and preparing social media content.
2. Gathering content and preparing the CAD newsletter.
3. Supporting the drafting of reports of presentations.
4. Help organize meetings, workshops, and events by managing logistics, preparing communication materials and supporting with talking points, including but not limited to CAD’s engagement in COP31.
5. Assist in researching climate mobility issues and preparing summaries to support policy development and advocacy efforts.
6. Identify emerging trends and opportunities relevant to the thematic area and monitoring developments at global level including working closely with partners, IOM offices and stakeholders.
7. Performing other activities as required by CAD.

Learning Objectives

• Gain a practical understanding of the work of IOM’s Climate Action Division
• Enhance knowledge and understanding of the linkages between human mobility and climate change.
• Gain exposure to international climate policy processes, including the United Nations Climate Change Conference.
• Strengthen drafting, editing and analytical skills.
• Build skills in teamwork, coordination, and working in a multicultural environment.
   

TRAINING COMPONENTS AND LEARNING ELEMENTS

The Intern will gain experience in working in an international multicultural environment, within the United Nations system.

• Gain a better understanding of IOM’s work, as the leading UN Migration Agency;
• Gain in-depth understanding of the interlinkages between climate change, environmental degradation and human mobility as well as solutions to respond to these linkages;
• Exposure to international climate change policy processes such as the UNFCCC;
• he Intern will be encouraged to conduct research on a specific thematic area such as climate, peace and security, water and human mobility, just transition, climate finance, which can be jointly determined based on mutual interest and relevance to the work of CAD;
• The Intern will have the possibility to interact with IOM staff within Headquarters and IOM Missions.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Development Studies, Climate Change Studies, Law or related fields from an accredited academic institution; or,
• Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Development Studies, Climate Change Studies, Law or related fields from an accredited academic institution will be a distinct advantage.
   

Experience

• No professional work experience is required for the participation in the Internship Programme;
• Experience in preparing communication materials and web portals as well as research and drafting skills will be a distinct advantage. 
   

Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge in the fields of climate change, migration and sustainable development will be a distinct advantage;
• Knowledge of migration related issues, including climate change and human mobility will be a distinct advantage;
• Ability to undertake policy research and prepare reports is required; and,
• Ability to organise and complete multiple tasks by establishing priorities is required.
   

Languages
IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

For all applicants, fluency in English is required (oral and written).

Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies:

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level  1

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Notes

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.

Depending on experience and location, interns are granted a small monthly stipend to help offset costs. Interns benefiting from an internship allowance or scholarship granted by his/her university or other sponsoring body that includes financial remuneration or credits for coursework will not be eligible for the stipend.

IOM covers Interns against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the assignment. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Interns are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. 

The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Same Posting Description for Internal and External Candidates.