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 45 offices and hundreds of partners in public, NGO and private sectors around the world. Its headquarters are based in Gland, Switzerland. IUCN’s work focuses on valuing and conserving nature, ensuring effective and equitable governance of its use, and deploying nature-based solutions to global challenges in climate, food and development. IUCN supports scientific research, manages field projects all over the world, and brings governments, NGOs, the UN and companies together to develop policy, laws and best practice.
Responsibilities
Under direct supervision of the European Biodiversity Conservation Coordinator and in collaboration with other staff of the IUCN European Regional Office, the Biodiversity Conservation intern will support the work and projects of the IUCN Global Species Programme in Europe. This will include activities such as providing support to certain tasks within the project portfolio, such as assisting in the organisation of workshops, supporting project communications and assisting in writing technical reports, as well as a range of administrative activities.
The internship is unpaid but expenses for public transport and lunch are covered (monthly MOBIB card + 5 EUR/day for meals). Possibility to work remotely can be considered but with previous agreement from the European Biodiversity Conservation Coordinator.
Focus of the internship will be on providing support to different tasks within the project portfolio which encompasses different projects related to biodiversity conservation in Europe. This assignment will also include the following responsibilities:
- Assist in the implementation of the office’s European Red List, Pollinators conservation and Invasive Alien Species project portfolio, including: compiling species photos and completing communications tasks. Providing support to this task will require some training in Red List assessments that will be provided by the team.
- Support the communication activities of all ongoing projects;
- Assist in the organization of workshops, meetings and event planning;
- Support the team in a range of administrative functions on a day-to-day basis (e.g. processing of invoices, consultancy contracts etc.)
- Will be required to provide support on a range of tasks as delegated by his/her Line Manager
Requirements
Applicants must have student status (undergraduate or graduate) and be enrolled at a university for the entire duration of the internship;
- Studying towards a relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with a focus on biology, environmental science, sustainable development, natural sciences;
- Affinity with the vision and mission of IUCN and a strong interest in and good understanding of European conservation initiatives;
- An understanding of the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria is advantageous;
- Complete fluency in the English language, including excellent demonstrated English writing skills; good level of written and spoken French is an asset but not required;
- Sound understanding of information technology, with experience in applying Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) as a minimum skill set;
- Proven analytical, conceptual, organization, multitasking, and problem-solving skills;
- Detail- and outcome-oriented;
- Ability to work independently and on multiple tasks simultaneously;
- Ability to meet tight deadlines without compromising the quality of outputs;
- Highly motivated to learn and develop new skills, keen to bring in own ideas;
- A team player with a strong interest to work in an international environment;
- EU national or holder of Belgian work permit.
Students are encouraged to apply to their University for an Erasmus+ Internship grant: https://erasmusintern.org/content/scholarships