Legal and Enforcement Unit - CITES Intern

Job Description

Work Location

• Geneva

Expected Duration

• 6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

• The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority, setting the environmental agenda, promoting sustainable development, and serving as an advocate for the global environment.
• The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates international trade in about 36,000 species and ensures trade is legal, sustainable, and traceable.
• Internship supports the CITES Secretariat in assisting Parties with implementing the Convention, organizing meetings, workshops, and consultations.
• Four internship positions available at the CITES Legal and Enforcement Unit.
• Internship is UNPAID and full-time (35–40 hours/week). Duration flexible (minimum 3 months, maximum 6 months) according to intern availability and academic schedule.

Legal Unit Responsibilities

• Assist with research and analyses related to the implementation of CoP Decisions and Resolutions.
• Conduct background research for the preparation of substantive meeting documents.
• Prepare documents for meetings of permanent committees.
• Compile and analyze information submitted by Parties in response to calls for information.
• Assist with other tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Enforcement Unit Responsibilities

• Conduct background research and prepare briefing papers on enforcement matters for CITES governing bodies.
• Compile and analyze information submitted by Parties regarding implementation of the Convention.
• Support implementation of CITES decisions and recommendations on enforcement matters.
• Prepare documents and materials for the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC).
• Assist in communication with Parties and partner organizations such as INTERPOL, UNODC, World Bank, and World Customs Organization.
• Update CITES and ICCWC websites and other enforcement-related portals.
• Assist in planning and organizing meetings, telephone conferences, workshops, and side events.
• Prepare, review, and update presentations and other materials on CITES and ICCWC.
• Participate in meetings to represent the CITES Enforcement Support Team.
• Minute taking, preparation, and distribution of documents before and after meetings.
• Assist with other tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications/Special Skills

• Interest and motivation to work on legal, compliance, and enforcement matters related to CITES.
• Experience with compliance or enforcement (judiciary, customs, policies, wildlife authority).
• Excellent writing skills are desirable.
• Knowledge of CITES or similar organizations is required.
• Fluency in English is required; fluency in French or Spanish is desirable.

Educational Requirements

• At the time of application, must meet one of the following:
• • Enrolled in the final year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent).
  • Enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or higher).
  • Graduated with a university degree.
• Academic qualifications in law (public, international, criminal, environmental) or social sciences, law enforcement, policing, criminal justice, homeland security, or environmental law are preferred.
• Field of study must be closely related to the internship.

Languages

• Fluency in English required (reading, writing, speaking, understanding).
• Knowledge of French or Spanish is desirable.

Additional Information

• Specific terms of reference will be shared with successful candidates.
• Due to high application volume, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Intern Specific Text

• Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations.
• Costs for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions.
• Non-citizen interns may require the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization.
• Successful candidates should discuss visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

Deadline : Nov 7, 2025