Intern - EU Liaison and EU funding Support

Vacancy #:	280
Unit:	European Union Liaison Office
Location:	European Union Representative Office, Brussels, Belgium
Reporting to:	EU Liaison Officer
Work percentage:	100%
Function group:	-
Expected start date:	12 September 2011
Type of contract:	Fixed-term (until 09 March 2012)
Closing date:	15 August 2011

BACKGROUND

The European Union (EU) is one of the key players on the world stage since its Member States form the largest economy in the world. It is the world’s largest bilateral and multilateral trading partner and the largest provider of public aid to developing countries. The overseas territories of some of its Members reach out to all corners of the globe.

The European Union Liaison Office – part of IUCN’s Regional Office for Pan Europe – represents IUCN as a whole to the EU and provides the IUCN secretariat and constituency with up-to-date information on EU policies, legislation and funding programmes regarding nature conservation and development cooperation.

IUCN is the world’s oldest and largest global environmental network - a democratic membership union with more than 1,000 government and NGO member organizations, and almost 11,000 volunteer scientists in more than 160 countries.

IUCN’s work is supported by more than 1,000 professional staff in 60 offices and hundreds of partners in public, NGO and private sectors around the world. Its headquarters are based in Gland, Switzerland.

The IUCN EU Representative Office

European Union Representative Office – part of IUCN’s Regional Office for Europe – represents IUCN to the EU and provides the IUCN secretariat and constituency with up-to-date information on EU policies, legislation and funding programmes in the field of nature conservation.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. The IUCN EURO team is looking for a highly motivated intern for a period of 6 months to assist with various activities and the daily functioning of the office. The focus of the internship will be on assisting the EU Liaison and Development Cooperation Officer with regard to accessing EU funding and on Development Cooperation policy, together with the general activities of the office, such as attending meetings and conferences.
   
   

REQUIREMENTS

• The internship has to be mandatory for gaining the diploma of the studies that the student is enrolled in, formalized by a work placement agreement/’convention de stage’ between the academic institution and IUCN Regional Office for Europe;
• A keen interest in and basic understanding of issues relating to the conservation of biodiversity and EU policy-making;
• Studying towards a Bachelor or Master degree;
• Oral and written fluency in English – good command of French is an asset;
• Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Affinity with the vision and mission of IUCN
• The internship takes place without any financial remuneration, but provides a challenging and interesting opportunity to work in a dynamic international organization and to gain work experience in the field of EU nature conservation policies and funding instruments. Time-off for attending classes and exams can be discussed. Expected starting date of the internship is 12 September 2011.
• ** The deadline for applications is 15 August 2011 **

APPLICATIONS

Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.

Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST).

Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: http://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/