CITES Intern - Enforcement Unit (2 positions)

Work Location

Geneva

Expected duration

6 Months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates international trade in specimens (plants, animals and parts and derivatives thereof) of about 36,000 species listed in the three Appendices of the Convention. In order to efficiently implement the Convention and ensure that when international wildlife trade occurs, it is legal, sustainable and traceable, Parties to CITES need to have in place adequate national legislation and designate one or more Management and Scientific authorities. The role of the Secretariat is to support Parties in the effective implementation of the Convention and the related Resolutions and Decisions. To further assist Parties and to ensure that the Convention continues to respond to current conservation needs and challenges, the Conference of the Parties is directing the Secretariat to undertake an increasing number of specific activities. The Secretariat is also tasked with organizing the annual meetings of the permanent committees and with organizing smaller ad hoc workshops and consultations. Duties and responsibilities: 1. Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer(s) of the CITES Enforcement Unit, the intern will:

• Assist in conducting background research and preparation of briefing papers and documentation on enforcement matters required for meetings of CITES governing bodies;
• Compile and prepare analyses of information submitted by Parties in response to various calls for information related to their implementation of the Convention;
• Assist with the delivery of activities to support the implementation of CITES Decisions, Resolutions and recommendations on enforcement matters;
• Assist in the preparation of documents and materials for the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC) and support the implementation of activities related to ICCWC;
• Assist in communication with Parties and partner organizations such as INTERPOL, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the World Bank, and the World Customs Organization;
• Assist in updating the enforcement-related pages on the CITES website, as well as the ICCWC website;
• Assist in the process of planning and organizing meetings, telephone conferences, and workshops/side events;
• Prepare, review, and update, as appropriate, presentations and other materials on CITES and ICCWC to be used during workshops and meetings;
• Participate in meetings as appropriate to represent...