Work Location

in-person

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global Environment. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City,Panama works closely with the 33 countries of the region and its activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). The UNEP Chemicals and Pollution Action Programme has the goal to minimize the adverse effects of chemicals and waste on human health and the environment. Within the Chemicals and Pollution Action Programme, UNEP implements a range of initiatives and projects, including the promotion of zero waste approaches, and prevention of different forms of pollution, such as plastics and atmospheric pollution.In this context, UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office is seeking interns for Communications and Knowledge Management. Under the direct supervision of the Regional Coordinator on Chemicals and Pollution, of the Latin America and the Caribbean Office, the intern will be supporting the communication and knowledge management tasks of the following projects and initiatives: • The Intergovernmental Network on Chemicals and Waste for Latin America and the Caribbean. • The Intergovernmental Network on Atmospheric Pollution for Latin America and the Caribbean. • The Coalition for the progressive closure of dumpsites in Latin America and the Caribbean. • The Working Group on Plastics and Microplastics pollution, including in the marine environment, in Latin America and the Caribbean. • The Zero Waste in the Caribbean project. More specifically, the job will entail the following tasks: • Support the communication tasks of the networks on pollution of the Forum of Ministers of Environment in Latin America and the Caribbean, previously mentioned. This may include the coordination and dissemination of events, such as webinars or technical exchanges, or support various communications to network focal points, among others. • Coordination of the external communication of the cooperation networks on pollution and related projects, including the updating of their web pages or the drafting of informative notes on activities carried out. • Support the drafting, design and dissemination of progress reports on the implementation of the work plans and programs of the regional cooperation networks on pollution. • Support the knowledge management resulting from cooperation networks and associated projects, including the compilation of the results of knowledge-sharing activities carried out at the regional level. • Support the coordination and preparation of meetings of focal points and steering committees of regional cooperation networks on pollution. This may include the coordination of interactive dynamics during the meetings, preparation of support materials and PPT presentations, preparation of meeting minutes and follow-up of actions. • Support the development of public awareness materials on pollution. • Support the coordination of face-to-face events, if necessary. • Support other activities of the Chemicals and Pollution Programme as requested. Interns are sought for a six-month internship period. The internship is UNPAID and full-time. Interns work five days per week (40 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the Office.

Qualifications/special skills

Applicants must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements: a. Be enrolled in a Master’s Degree programme in Communication and Public awareness, International Relations, Social Sciences or related field.; OR b. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a Bachelor degree program Communication and Public awareness, International Relations, Social Sciences or related field.; OR c. Have graduated with a university degree in Communication and Public awareness, International Relations, Social Sciences or related field. – Be computer literate in standard software applications (MS Office). – Have demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; – Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Languages

For this internship, fluency in oral and writing English and Spanish is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Additional Information

• Educational expertise focused on the United Nations is an asset. • Knowledge of critical environmental issues in the Latin American and Caribbean region is an asset. • Good writing skills in Spanish and English. • Competence in the organization and dissemination of face-to-face and online events is an asset. • Skills related to the use of design and data visualization programs is an asset. • Experience in social media in the field of public awareness is an asset. • Ability to develop public awareness materials is an asset.

Intern Specific text

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.