Internship Available: AMEP Sub-Programme

Terms of Reference for an Internship within the Programme of Assessment and Management of Environmental Pollution (AMEP) in the Wider Caribbean Region

The post offers an opportunity for a current student to become acquainted with the workings of an intergovernmental treaty dealing with the conservation and sustainable use of coastal and marine resources and, more specifically, with measures on pollution reduction, control and management. Under the overall supervision of the Coordinator of UNEP-CAR/RCU, the Intern will provide overall support and assistance to the Coordinator of the Caribbean Environment Programme (CEP) and its subprogrammes.

Period: The period of this task is of 3-6 months.

Location: Kingston, JAMAICA

Rationale: The Caribbean Environment Programme is facilitated by the Caribbean Regional Coordinating Unit (CAR/RCU) located in Kingston, Jamaica. CAR/RCU serves as the Secretariat for the Action Plan of the CEP as well as for the Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region (Cartagena Convention). CAR/RCU does not conduct any research itself, but serves as a focus for the collection, review, analysis and dissemination of studies, publications and the result of work performed under the aegis of CEP.

Supervision: Direct supervision:         Christopher Corbin, Programme Officer, AMEP

                       Second supervisor:         Nelson Andrade Colmenares, Coordinator

Content and methodology of the supervision: General objectives, desired results and anticipated problems are discussed beforehand with the Intern. Regular feedback on the progress of activities is obtained by the supervisor through review of work in progress. The Intern is expected to carry out the duties under general supervision and to consult with the supervisor(s) on issues of policy, governance or other sensitive matters.

 
Duties, responsibilities and output expectations:

The Secretariat works with limited support staff resources. Interns may be required to assist with the routine administrative work of the Secretariat, e.g. preparing correspondence. The tasks will not involve field work.

Technical/Programmatic              

• Provide technical input based on expertise on any aspect of the AMEP work programme;
• Compilation of information and  data for the  Marine Litter database in collaboration with UNEP-CEP staff;
• Provide assistance in the preparation of background documentation and technical reports for various meetings;
• Liaise with relevant national, regional and international agencies and organisations on the implementation and furtherance of the AMEP programme;
• Assist with project monitoring, evaluation and follow-up;
• Draft progress and financial reports, as well as agreements for selected projects and activities;
• Prepare material for the CEP website in collaboration with CETA on ongoing AMEP Projects and activities;
• Compile and disseminate news and updates on AMEP projects and activities via newsgroups and listservers;
• Assist the AMEP P.O. in the overall development and implementation of the AMEP work programme; and
• Assist the Coordinator of UNEP-CAR/RCU as appropriate.

Administrative

• Assist in the preparation of relevant documentation and presentations;
• Collect information and undertake desk-based research;
• Assist in replying to inquiries received by CEP regarding the AMEP programme;
•  Assist in the organisation of CEP meetings and workshops; and
• Report to the Coordinator as appropriate.

Reporting

The Intern shall work under the overall supervision of and report to the Coordinator of UNEP-CAR/RCU although day to day supervision will be by the AMEP PO. Before the end of the Internship a final report shall be submitted to the RCU outlining the work undertaken and an evaluation of the same. The report shall be written in English and its final draft completed one week prior to the end of the internship, and shall include recommendations to UNEP-CAR/RCU on further development of the areas of the AMEP programme that the incumbent worked with during the internship.

 
Required qualifications

Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are essential, good working knowledge of Spanish desired. Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a natural science or economic discipline will be required, with some relevant experience in project management seen as an advantage. Good organisational ability and the ability to work well as part of a team.

Remuneration

The Internship is without remuneration and the Intern is solely responsible for covering costs for transport, living and accommodation, as well as for insurance during the internship period.