Internship – The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) Communications
Intern
UNEP Economics and Trade Branch (ETB), Geneva, Switzerland
31 July 2012
1. Background
At the meeting of the G8+5 Environment Ministers in Potsdam, Germany (March 2007), the
participating countries called for a global study on “the economic significance of the global loss
of biological diversity” as part of a “Potsdam Initiative” for biodiversity.
The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) initiative was launched in order to
respond to this mandate and resulted in the production of the following series of reports focused
on improving understanding of the economic costs of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation
and to communicate this understanding to key stakeholders:
1. TEEB - Ecological and Economic Foundations. A report on the fundamental concepts
and methodologies for economic valuation of biodiversity and ecosystem services;
2. TEEB - National and International Policy Making. A report providing analysis and
guidance on how to value and internalize biodiversity and ecosystem values in policy
decisions;
3. TEEB - Local and Regional Policy and Management. A report providing analysis and
guidance for mainstreaming biodiversity and ecosystem values at regional and local
levels, illustrated with case study examples; and
4. TEEB – Business and Enterprise. A report providing analysis and guidance on how
business and enterprise can identify and manage their biodiversity and ecosystem risks
and opportunities.
These reports are available at www.teebweb.org.
The TEEB initiative is now entering a new phase of implementation (phase III) focused on
facilitating TEEB national and sectoral studies; expanding the TEEB network of experts; and
expanding TEEB communications and outreach.
As part of TEEB’s extended communications and outreach, TEEB would like to keep abreast of
all the information and studies that are being produced that are TEEB related. Keeping a close
track of this rapidly expanding literature as well as ensuring that this knowledge is made available
in a timely and convenient manner to the TEEB network through online and social media is an
essential part of the TEEB communications strategy. The purpose of this internship is to assist the
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TEEB team in the continued delivery and strengthening of online news and communication
functions.
2. Online Communications practice to date
Since August 2011 and the beginning of phase III, TEEB has began focusing on communications
and outreach of the TEEB project and concept. As part of the communications, TEEB currently
hosts a website, twitter and facebook accounts and distributes a regular e-newsletter (TEEBrief).
The TEEB online community has been growing at a steady pace for the past 6 months and we
would like to continue to expand the network.
A new TEEB website is currently under development. The new website is being designed to
better deliver phase III objectives with an improved structure and more and improved content.
During the process of developing the new website, both the old and the new sites have to be kept
up to date.
3. Terms of reference
Under the supervision of the Head of Communications, the incumbent will:
(1) Collect and compile TEEB related news items for the TEEBrief e-newsletter
Tasks: (i) actively monitor relevant websites, RSS feeds, email alerts and other information
repositories for TEEB related news; (ii) Conduct research and searches for case studies that
reflect the methodologies and concepts of the TEEB project (iii) in a timely manner distribute the
TEEB related news via the TEEBrief, writing the articles and liaising with partners for more
information where needed.
Output: a TEEB newsletter approximately every 3 weeks.
(2) Maintain and expand TEEB’s social media presence
Tasks: (i) search for and write TEEB Facebook updates. (ii) Monitor ’friends’ Facebook usage
and respond when necessary. (iii) Tweet and re-tweet appropriate messages on Twitter. (iv) look
into additional ways to develop, grow and interact with online audiences. (v) Investigate
additional social media platforms and how they could be used by TEEB e.g. Linkedin, Google+
reddit etc.
Output: continued social media activity and growth in follower numbers.
(3) Update TEEB’s current website and develop content for the new TEEB website.
Tasks (i) Update the current and new TEEB websites when required e.g. workshop reports, TEEB
story of the week etc. (ii) Develop content for the new TEEB website e.g. report presentations,
fact sheets for pilot country projects, summaries of case studies etc. (iii) Support the development
of new media content for the website e.g. videos, podcasts, audio interviews.
Output: The TEEB websites are up to date and functioning.
(4) Other activities as required
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4. Requirements, eligibility and procedure
Requirements
• Academic background in Communications, website development, economics or
environmental sciences
• Strong writing and editing skills
• Fluency in English required, other UN languages an asset
• Excellent oral and written communications skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Good interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of online tools, software and Content Management Systems (e.g. Zotero,
Evernote, Wordpress and editing software) would be an advantage
• Knowledge of Ecology or Biodiversity an asset.
Eligibility
Due to the large number of applicants and the limited number of places available per year,
applicants are strongly advised to note the eligibility criteria for obtaining an internship with
UNEP-ETB. All of the requirements must be met for the internship application to be processed.
Payment, Liability, Insurance, Visas and Clearance
The Internship Programme operates on a non-remunerative basis. All costs connected with
internships must, therefore, be borne by the interns or their sponsoring institutions or
governments. This includes costs relating to travel, living and accommodation. UNEP accepts no
responsibility or liability for costs arising from damages, travel, accident and/or illness incurred
during an internship. Obtaining visas is also the sole responsibility of the intern.
Application Procedure
Applications including a letter of motivation and current CV should be submitted by email to
teeb@unep.org.
Applicants may receive a standard reply confirming receipt of the internship application. Due to
the volume of applications we receive, you will be contacted personally only if UNEP-TEEB
wishes to actively pursue your application.
If selected by UNEP-TEEB for an internship, applicants will be asked to complete and send a
signed Internship Agreement for the United Nations prior to travel.
