UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) - Intern (Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy Talent Pool)

The mission of UNIDO, as described in the Lima Declaration adopted at the fifteenth session of the UNIDO General Conference in 2013 as well as the Abu Dhabi Declaration adopted at the eighteenth session of UNIDO General Conference in 2019, is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in Member States. The relevance of ISID as an integrated approach to all three pillars of sustainable development is recognized by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will frame United Nations and country efforts towards sustainable development. UNIDO’s mandate is fully recognized in SDG-9, which calls to “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”. The relevance of ISID, however, applies in greater or lesser extent to all SDGs. Accordingly, the Organization’s programmatic focus is structured in four strategic priorities: Creating shared prosperity; Advancing economic competitiveness; Safeguarding the environment; and Strengthening knowledge and institutions.

Each of these programmatic fields of activity contains a number of individual programmes, which are implemented in a holistic manner to achieve effective outcomes and impacts through UNIDO’s four enabling functions: (i) technical cooperation; (ii) analytical and research functions and policy advisory services; (iii) normative functions and standards and quality-related activities; and (iv) convening and partnerships for knowledge transfer, networking and industrial cooperation. Such core functions are carried out in Divisions/Offices in its Headquarters, Regional Offices and Hubs and Country Offices.

The Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS) under the overall direction of the Director General, and in close collaboration with all relevant organizational entities within UNIDO, headed by a Managing Director, oversees the Organization's development of capacities for industrial development as well as industrial policy advice, statistics and research activities and the Organization's normative contribution to Member States and global development community in achieving the SDGs. The Directorate also ensures the application of strategies and interventions for sustainable industrial development related to Environment, Energy, SMEs, Competitiveness and Job creation, as well as Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. Through coordination in-house and with Member States and industry stakeholders, it ensures that the services provided in these areas contribute toward effective and appropriate technical, business and policy solutions and are focused on results and on realizing any potential for scaling up and positioning UNIDO as a leading platform for industrial development in developing countries and global fora.

The Directorate houses the technical Divisions of Capacity Development, Industrial Policy Advice and Statistics (TCS/CPS); Circular Economy and Environmental Protection (TCS/CEP); Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy (TCS/DSE); SMEs, Competitiveness and Job Creation (TCS/SME); and Digital Transformation and AI Strategies (TCS/DAS). The Directorate also ensures close coordination and collaboration among the Divisions as well as with relevant entities in the Directorate of Global Partnerships and External Relations (GLO) and the Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation (IET).

The Division of Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy (TCS/DSE) under the supervision of the Managing Director of the Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS), and in close coordination with other organizational entities within UNIDO, assists Member States in the transition to a sustainable energy future through the application of renewable energy solutions for productive uses, adoption of the efficient concepts of energy use by industry and the introduction of low-carbon technologies and processes. In transitioning to a sustainable energy future, the challenges of addressing energy poverty and climate change are an integral part of the Division's activities, as is the dissemination of relevant knowledge and technologies and paths to plan, manage and finance the energy transition. It collaborates closely on relevant and converging issues with the Climate and Technology Partnerships Division (IET/CTP) and analytical and strategic matters with TCS/CPS and ODG/SPU.

The internship positions are located under the Division of Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy, and are offered throughout the year, subject to availability, as well as subject to the eligibility and successful assessment of selected applicants.

The duration of an internship at UNIDO is between three to six months, is UNPAID and full-time. Interns work under the supervision of a staff member, in the division or office that they are assigned to. Interns shall cover all costs associated with their internship, including visa, travel to and from the duty station, insurance, transportation, accommodation and living expenses.

GENERIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Intern(s) will work under the direct supervision of a project manager designated by the Director of the Division.

The Intern(s) shall be engaged as follows:

1. Exposed to the regular core functions of the Division and as such shall have the opportunity to observe the day to day operations and engage in on-the-job training in specific actions delegated by the Supervisor.

2. Contribute to the division’s technical cooperation portfolio by performing self-contained research activitiessuch as; study and analyse selected technical cooperation projects from the diviision’s portfolio from the perspective of upscaling the project impacts through normative and policy functions of UNIDO.  

3. Other Special emerging Projects that may enhance the learning experience of the Intern.

LEARNING ELEMENTS

• Become acquainted with the most up-to-date technical, economic and industrial developments in the relevant field of specialization of the Division.

• Learn about the organization of global events, multilateral energy and climate change processes, and partnerships related to climate and innovation.

• Contribute to improving coordination and communication skills in the international development context.

• Gain experience in project management.

• Acquire on the job training: organization of major international events, building partnerships, engaging youth and mainstreaming gender.

• Gain experience in working effectively in a diverse and multi-cultural environment.