Intern – Migration, Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction (MECR) At International Organization for Migration

Position Title: Intern – Migration, Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction (MECR)

Duty Station: Home based

Classification: Intern, Grade Other

Type of Appointment: Internship, six months with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 03 May 2022

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.

Context:

Background Information

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. With 173 member states, with a further 8 States holding observer status, and more than 440 field locations, 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 works to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration, to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced people.

The Migration, Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction (MECR) Division in the Department of Peace and Development Coordination (DPDC) is the focal point for IOM policy and technical support to policies and programme development on the migration-environment-climate change nexus. The MECR Division has been at the forefront of operational, research, policy, and advocacy efforts, seeking to bring environmental migration to the heart of international, regional and national concerns, in collaboration with its Member States, observers and partners.

As part of the IOM project “Climate Migration in Urban Areas: Challenges, Representations and Inclusion” (NC.0078) funded by the city of Paris, France, a six-month full-time paid internship is available from 20 April to 20 October 2022 at IOM Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland. Remote work arrangements will be considered but availability to travel occasionally to Geneva and Paris is required.

The objective of the project is to assist cities in their efforts to better understand how climate and environmental change will affect migration and urbanization trends in the coming decades, and to include these considerations in urban planning and key sectoral policies. In line with growing initiatives at the international level, the project contributes to accelerate local, national, regional, and global responses to climate change and migration in cities and support local governments in designing inclusive climate and integration policies. The project is built on three pillars: I) Data collection and improvement of knowledge on climate migration and cities, II) Strengthening dialogue and partnerships with leading cities on migration and climate change issues, III) Implementation of a pilot project with the City of Paris to develop an action program on climate change and migration.

The project is managed by IOM and implemented in partnership with the Hugo Observatory of the University of Liege and the City of Paris.

Supervision

The Intern will work under the overall supervision of the Head of MECR Division and the direct supervision of the Thematic Specialist, MECC, and in cooperation with other colleagues in the Division, at IOM HQ and field Missions.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will pursue the following duties:

• Assist with the implementation and follow-up of the activities developed in the project “Climate Migration in Urban Areas: Challenges, Representations and Inclusion”, as requested by the Project Manager.

• Assist in preparing background papers, meeting reports, communication material and presentations for meetings, conferences, or training workshops on the project.

• Support with any administrative tasks related to the project.

• Carry out research on various thematic areas within the work of the MECR Division such as urbanization, climate change adaptation, human rights, sustainable development, security, gender, health, etc. where needed.

• Assist with maintenance and update of the Environmental Migration Portal, its Newsletter, and social media campaigns.

• Assist with communication with IOM missions and logistical preparations for meetings, training workshops, etc.

• Support the Head of the MECR Division with background research, communication, and other preparations for events.

• Undertake any other tasks as may be required.

Training Components and Learning Elements

• Familiarization with major themes in the global debate on migration, environment and climate with a specific focus on urban-related issues.

• Insight into multilateral political processes and frameworks.

• Understanding of policy-making processes and IOM’s work on migration, environment, climate change and disaster risk reduction.

• Interaction with IOM departments and offices at large, in particular other departments in headquarters and with other IOM offices, in particular with IOM Paris and with MECR Regional Thematic Specialists based in IOM Regional Offices.

• Exposure to the multicultural environment and procedural approach of an international,inter-governmental organization.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

Be enrolled in a graduate school program (Master’s or PhD) related to Migration, Climate Change, Political Science, International Relations, International Development, Human Rights, or a related field from an accredited academic institution.

Experience

• Previous experience working on migration, environment and climate change issues is highly valued;

• Previous research experience of collecting and analyzing data, conducting literature reviews, interviews and drafting research papers is a strong asset;

• Previous knowledge and/or experience of the Parisian social, political, economic, and

institutional context is desirable;

• Practical experience of how to multi-task, prioritize and work independently.

Skills

• Excellent oral and written skills (ability to draft quickly, precisely, and effectively for government and other audiences) in French and in English;

• Excellent research and analytical skills, including an ability to formulate and synthesize ideas and concepts;

• Excellent editing skills (attention to detail and ability to review and edit documents) in French and in English;

• Familiarity with UN environment and climate change policies;

• Knowledge in conventional software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint);

• Strong organizational skills (ideally experience in conference preparation and logistics) and attention to detail;

• Strong communication skills, including in web communication and social media;

• Ability to timely understand the Organization’s structure and portfolios;

• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously in a team of colleagues of varied cultural and professional backgrounds;

• Proven ability to produce quality work accurately and concisely according to set deadlines.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

For this position, fluency in English and French is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of 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.

Note

Eligibility and Selection

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. The Internship Programme is open to candidates of any nationality.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and additional enquiries will only be addressed if the candidate is shortlisted.

A monthly stipend will be paid by IOM for this six-month full-time internship. Transportation, lodging, visa, and expenses for the internship are the responsibility of the intern, at the exception of travel for duty.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

Application Procedure

Interested candidates are requested to submit a CV (two pages maximum) and a one-page cover letter via PRISM, IOM e-Recruitment system. Submissions will be accepted in French or in English.

Application deadline: 03 May, 2022.

Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

Required Competencies:

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies:

Values

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.

• 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.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

• 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 action and delegated work.

• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.pdf

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other:

The appointment is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.

No late applications will be accepted.