Intern , CLIMATE CHANGE

Starting date: Immediate; Apply by: On-going Location: New York Category: Full-time (40hrs/week), 6-month duration, unpaid internship

General Overview The World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) is a global nonprofit organization working for a stronger and more effective United Nations. Established in 1946, we represent and coordinate a membership of over 100 United Nations Associations and their thousands of members. We work to build a better world by strengthening and improving the United Nations, through the engagement of people who share a global mindset and support international cooperation – global citizens. Our organization has offices at the United Nations in both New York and Geneva, and hosts interns in both locations. www.wfuna.org

Go Beyond – Climate Change program WFUNA has developed a program aimed at finding innovative and collaborative solutions for climate change. WFUNA is launching Go Beyond, bringing together major international corporations, United Nations Associations, and global citizens and consumers. Our goal is to alter the consumption behavior of individuals towards a climate responsible lifestyle. Go Beyond will be a new international fellowship program. With networks of fellows in a variety of fields, and with fellows in 5 different regions of the world, Go Beyond will be an incubator for effective community climate change action.
Rio+20 Advocacy Plan

The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil June 20-22, marking 20 years since the historical Rio Earth Summit, which catalyzed global action on sustainable development. In the lead up to Rio+20, WFUNA is raising awareness on the need to upgrade the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to a UN Specialized Agency: A Global Environmental Organization. WFUNA is also hosting a three-part informative webinar series.
Position Description - Climate Change Intern
The Climate Change Intern will provide support for WFUNA’s climate change programs -primarily focusing on Go Beyond and on Rio+20 plans- in cooperation with key staff members. Responsibilities include: • Fundraising: researching potential corporate prospects, and sometimes government and foundation prospects, and drafting project proposals and Letters of Inquiry for Go Beyond • Working with a pro bono brand messaging professional to develop a branding strategy for Go Beyond • Compiling resources and materials on climate change • Building partnerships with UN Global Compact companies and active UNAs • Maintaining a Go Beyond section on the WFUNA website • Promoting the Go Beyond projectCoordinating the Sustainable Development Webinar Series • Promoting the Sustainable Development Webinar Series • Overseeing the publication of international op-eds on sustainable development • Promoting the Rio+20 advocacy plan with active UNAs Additional responsibilities/ opportunities may include: • Representing WFUNA at meetings, and staying updated on climate change and sustainable development issues at the United Nations, and sharing relevant information with WFUNA and interested UNAs • Reporting to the WFUNA Secretary-General on climate change and sustainable development issues at the UN • Contributing written materials to the website • Assisting with some administrative duties at the office Some of the opportunities: 1. The WFUNA Secretariat is located at UN Headquarters in New York. The Climate Change Intern will have access to the United Nations building, conferences and events and resources such as the UN Library. 2. This position offers an excellent networking opportunity – the Climate Change Intern will be able to make contact with UN staff, diplomats, UNA members, academics, and NGOs in the climate change community. 3. This position may be eligible for course credit from the academic institution in which the Climate Change Intern is currently enrolled, provided the position description meets the criteria for credit set forth by the academic institution.

Additional requirements: • Prior coursework/ academic background and/or practical experience in the field of climate change is a must.
• Preference will be given to candidates with prior UNA experience. • Familiarity of the UN system is beneficial. • Strong writing, drafting and computer skills are necessary. • Fluency in English is required; knowledge of a foreign language is a plus.

How to apply:

To apply, please go to www.wfuna.org/intern and follow the instructions at the bottom of the page