An Environmental Affairs Specialist at the United Nations

The exhibit focuses on the issue of developing the economy while preserving the environment. Often, countries hugely rely on not environmentally-friendly goods, such as fossil fuels, to sustain and boost its economy. However, this exhibit informs readers of the potential the economy has to develop while protecting the environment. This exhibit introduces the idea of “green jobs” and a “greener economy.” Green jobs involve achieving the required task while limiting greenhouse gases and reducing pollution. In addition, the exhibit claims that green jobs have “the potential to create around 24 million new jobs globally.” The exhibit also touches upon the issue of social inclusion. The ILO is working towards including a diverse variety of genders and ethnicities. They are also ensuring that citizens adapt smoothly to any “greener” changes in their community.

THE IMAGE

In the picture, there is a group of female adults (traditional Zambia dresses seen in the photo allows for the assumption that the workers are female) working in a grassy field under the beating sun. Based on the caption of the image and the tools in the workers’ hands, the adults seem to be clearing the grass to make space and utilize the soil towards agriculture, such as cotton and wheat. The women will sell the crops in their local community markets to gain profit and support their family. However, the lack of technological advancement (no machinery and all labour work), it is likely that the workers will keep a small portion of the crops to bring back to their family. Based on the scarves wrapped on the women’s heads and a large number of workers standing up to support their back (probable to lower back pain), the workers are very tired and the working conditions can evidently be improved.

JUSTICE AND AWARENESS

The photojournalist successfully brings awareness and justice to the problem. Countries face a common issue of balancing their economy while tending to the environment. Nevertheless, this photojournalist brings captures a moment that brings justice to this issue. In the photo, it is seen that numerous workers are working very hard. Their efforts are contributing to strengthening the economy. Large solar panels can be seen on the side of the photo. These instruments reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decrease air pollution. In addition, the workers are clearing areas covered with grass and not trees. This sacrifice preserves the habitat of many species. This photo brings awareness to the issue of social inclusion. In the picture, no male workers are seen. The males are likely doing business or financial work, such as selling the crops, under better working conditions. Unlike the males, females have to work long hours bending their spine beneath the burning sun.

CREATING CHANGE

A national charity that is currently working towards minimizing the issue of social inclusion is Humanity and Inclusion. This organization aids disabled people and their families by ensuring that they get equal rights and opportunities. One of their goals is to gain inclusion from education and sports. Furthermore, Humanity and Inclusion is trying to generate awareness and support the disabled. To create a positive impact on my community, I can introduce this organization to my school. My school hosts an annual carnival for students. During the carnival, I can increase prices and incorporate games related to this organization. This money will go towards Humanity and Inclusion. Not only will this raise a lot of money, but students can also learn about social inclusion in an enjoyable approach.

UN Careers

CAREER DESCRIPTION

After looking at hundreds of possible careers in the United Nations, engineering interested me the most. There are many subcategories of engineering, but they all work cohesively in “the Logistics Job Family and Management and Operations Support Job Network”. Some possible engineering careers include civil, geotechnical, environmental, water and sanitation, and more. Some of the typical designs these engineers aim for are the following: maintain and construct power systems in peacekeeping sites, plan infrastructures for water treatment and distribution, and manage waste disposal.

NATURE OF THE WORK

The engineers have to work diligently and efficiently to provide communities and troops with systems and infrastructures. The engineers design, construct and maintain various systems, such as water and sanitation stations. In addition, they make sure that all troops are well equipped with dependable structures and utilities. The engineers get together and produce materials to send to numerous camps all over the globe.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

In order to be an engineer at the United Nations, there is a multitude of steps that need to be completed. Firstly, it is essential that you are fluent with either/both English and French, as those are the languages used when communicating with co-workers. Based on the preferred position and field, there are different educational requirements. For a position in the “Professional and Higher category”, a Master’s degree related to the desired department must be achieved. However, a Bachelor’s degree, professional training, and related work experience are also acceptable.

CAREER SKILLS

There are many skills associated with working as an engineer for the United Nations, two of them being problem-solving and teamwork. Firstly, it is essential to have strong problem-solving skills. For example, engineers constantly design infrastructures. They will cross numerous obstacles when trying to establish an effective and sustainable system. Secondly, engineers need strong teamwork skills. Often, different engineers collaborate on a huge project that requires knowledge from different fields. Without teamwork, this project (that hundreds are depending on) will not be completed successfully.

Preparation

To prepare myself for this occupation, I need to first decide which type of engineer I would like to be. I can choose from a civil, geotechnical, environmental engineer, and more. Once I have chosen what field I would like to work in, I can advance my knowledge in that category. For example, if I want to pursue an environmental engineer, I would research current and future environmental issues that can be solved with engineering. Afterward, I can expand my knowledge of the utilized equipment and start collecting environmental data. Furthermore, I need to develop my ability to speak French. I can continue French throughout high school, watch French movies, and immerse myself in the French culture.

Internship

An internship to prepare the career of an environmental engineer is the Environmental Affairs at the United Nations. Some of the responsibilities include: researching and analyzing environmental data, prepare and organize presentations that regard the global climate change issue, and support projects related to adapting to climate change. Although there are many educational requirements, work experience is not necessary. Some of the educational requirements are: graduated with a university degree or is currently studying for a Master’s degree or higher and is familiar with computer software.