Background
For the past four decades, UNU has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on the pressing global problems of human survival, conflict prevention, development, and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 13 countries, UNU’s work spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe.
UNU-EHS
Established in December 2003, addresses the risk and vulnerability aspects of human security and the consequences of complex environmental hazards for sustainable development. The work of UNU‐EHS helps to improve the in‐depth understanding of the cause-effect relationships to find ways to reduce risks and vulnerabilities. The Institute supports policymakers and decision-makers with evidence‐based research and information. www.ehs.unu.edu.
The Munich Climate Insurance Initiative e.V. (MCII) was launched by Munich Re in April 2005 in response to the growing realisation that insurance-related solutions can play a role in adaptation to climate change, as advocated in the Framework Convention and the Kyoto Protocol. To achieve this, MCII brings together insurers, experts on climate change and adaptation, NGOs, and researchers intent on finding effective and fair solutions to the risks posed by climate change. MCII, through its unique set-up, provides a forum and gathering point for insurance-related expertise on climate change impacts and explores ways to create sustainable approaches that create incentive structures for risk and poverty reduction.
The intern will support the following two and other MCII projects as needed:
The Climate Risk Adaptation and Insurance in the Caribbean (CRAIC) project seeks to address climate change, adaptation and vulnerability by promoting weather-index based insurance as a risk management instrument in the Caribbean. The project has developed a parametric weather- index-based risk insurance product aimed at low-income and vulnerable persons exposed to climate stressors. Currently in its second phase, CRAIC is continuing in Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Belize, and Trinidad & Tobago, and intends to serve all interested countries in the Caribbean. The project is funded by the International Climate Initiative (ICI) of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety (BMU). The overall approach of the project includes:
- Working with policymakers, regulators, and ministries to create an enabling environment to foster the growth of climate risk insurance
- Refining, developing, and upscaling an insurance product that provides individuals with access to innovative solutions that pay out quickly, without claims-handling procedures, by applying digital solutions
- Linking insurance to disaster risk management, as insurance is one part of an integrated disaster risk management strategy
- CRAIC, in partnership with regional and national disaster management agencies, is thus focusing on educating potential LPP holders about other necessary steps that should be taken before and after a natural hazard strikes.
The Pacific Insurance and Climate Adaptation Programme (PICAP) aims to improve the financial preparedness and resilience of Pacific Islanders to climate change and natural hazards through the development and implementation of market-based meso- and microinsurance schemes. This multi-year programme beginning in Fiji and Vanuatu, after which the programme will roll out to Tonga, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands. PICAP will be working with the Pacific Digital Economy Programme to create digital payment solutions to reach Pacific Islanders in rural and remote areas. The Programme will also work together with governments and relevant stakeholders to develop customised Climate and Disaster Risk Financing strategies as well as macro-to-micro schemes to support the most vulnerable segments. PICAP launched on 2 December 2020 and is jointly implemented by UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), UN Development Programme (UNDP), and UNU-EHS through MCII.**
Description of Responsibilities
- Assist in the drafting and preparation of materials related to the different MCII projects;
- Assist in drafting and editing English documents;
- Conduct literature reviews and reference searches on the use of climate risk insurance for low-income populations through relevant reports, journals, and grey literature;
- Conduct literature reviews, reference searches and analyses on the use of market-based instruments to address climate risks and human rights implications to support the development of discussion papers;
- Analyse the insurance markets and social protection schemes for national and city governments in the Caribbean and Pacific;
- Provide administrative and organisational support for international conferences and workshops - such as writing invitation letters, updating participant databases, drafting the programme, preparing presentations etc.;
- Facilitate project-related reporting documents, prepare group meetings, taking notes, and other project management related tasks;
- Assist with and contribute to the creation of knowledge management products for different MCII projects;
- Support the implementation of expert interviews with relevant contacts at international organisations working on insurance and climate change adaptation;
- Research on upcoming climate (risk insurance) related conferences and events that are of relevance for the MCII projects;
- Provide support to the creation of methodological flow charts and other illustrations for the project of concern;
- Contribute to planning and organising workshops and meetings in MCII projects;
- Further tasks as agreed to reduce the workload of the MCII Team.
Teaching/learning objectives:
- Understanding of the research work and related activities of UNU and the UN System;
- Gain work experience within UN international working environment;
- Understanding of MCII's field of work including its different projects;
- Learn how to interact in a multi-stakeholder work environment, including working with policymakers, insurance practitioners, NGOs and the UN system;
- Find insight into science-policy-practice;
- Further develop personal portfolio through active participation in research activities on insurance and risk management.
Competencies
Core Values:
- Respect for Diversity
- Integrity
- Professionalism
Core Competencies:
- Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
- Accountability
- Creative Problem Solving
- Effective Communication
- Inclusive Collaboration
Qualifications
Education:
- University studies in one of the following disciplines: Economics, Finance, Geography, Environmental Sciences, Risk Management, International (Affairs, Development, Relations, Policy), Political Science, or other relevant subjects is required.
- be enrolled in first university degree (bachelor’s level or equivalent) or postgraduate degree programme (master’s level or equivalent); or aim to conduct the internship immediately following their graduation from a university degree (internship duration limited to three months).
Language:
- Excellent communication skills (written and oral) in English are required;
- Working knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.
Essential Skills and attributes:
- Strong computer skills, good knowledge of MS Office programs,
- A willingness to learn new technology skills and methods,
- Ability to be flexible and multitask,
- Ability to work remotely,
- Ability to work in an international team,
- Highly motivated and team-oriented person.
Desired Skills:
- Strong interest in knowledge sharing and capacity development,
- Some practical work experience in a professional office setting would be an asset,
- An interest in scientific research and science-policy-interaction,
- Previous experience in risk management and/or insurance-related fields,
- Experience in developing countries and in international organisations.
Duration and Start Date
The duration of this internship is three months on a full-time basis with an expected start date of 14 June.
Location/Mode of Engagement:
Due to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, the internship needs to be commenced remotely. To ensure smooth supervision and in case on-campus operations can be resumed during the internship period, applicants are expected to have a permanent residency within Germany for the time of the internship. Applicants must have access to a personal laptop or desktop with basic functionalities and internet for the duration of their prospective internship.
Stipend and related expenses
Interns who are not in receipt of financial support for the purpose of this internship from other sources such as universities or other institutions will receive a stipend from UNU to partially subsidise basic daily expenses such as meals, transportation, and internet costs for the duration of the internship.
The monthly stipend rate in effect is 704.26 Euro. The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis. Part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.
Interns who are financially supported by an external institution or programme to undertake a UNU internship will be paid the difference between the external financial support provided and the applicable UNU stipend. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, passports, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their external sponsoring institution or programme.
UNU accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship.
Additional Information
Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNU in any official capacity.
The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNU but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.
UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply and become part of the organisation.
UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
How to apply:
Application Procedure
Interested candidates should submit their application containing:
- Curriculum Vitae in English;
- Cover letter in English: outlining your motivations, relevant qualifications and future career goals;
- Completed UNU-EHS application form (downloadable here);
- Proof of enrolment from current university or a copy of the recent degree certificate
via email to internships@ehs.unu.edu. The subject line should indicate the reference number of the vacancy announcement (2021/UNU/EHS/INTERN/MCII/43). Please include your surname in the file names of any attachments.
Only short-listed candidates will be notified. Applications that do not include all the requested documents will not be considered.
In case of any questions, please contact us via internships@ehs.unu.edu. For more information about the UNU-EHS and its internship programme, please visit ehs.unu.edu/about/internship.