Work Location

The internship will preferably take place in person, at the UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office, based in Panama City, Panama, although there is flexibility in terms of the modality of work, either totally in person, remote or combined.

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations System’s designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. 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 ant the international community for action. The Latin America and the Caribbean Office, located in Panama City, works closely with the 33 countries of the region – including 16 small island developing States, with a population of about 650 million people. The office works to serve the needs of the region and its activities are integrated into the work programs approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly of the UN Environment (UNEA). The overall objective of the Chemicals and Pollution Action Programme, Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO) is to promote the transition of countries to the sound management of chemicals and waste and encourage countries and cities to take action to prevent and control air pollution, in order to minimize impact on the environment and human health. UNEP provides information and support initiatives to improve the management of chemicals and wastes, the air quality monitoring and legal frameworks, and facilitates implementation in the region of the various international agreements in force or under negotiation, including the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions, Minamata Convention on Mercury, and the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM). The Latin America and the Caribbean Office is currently implementing a range of projects within the UN Environment Programme of Work, Chemicals and Pollution Action Programme. The XXI meeting of the Forum of Ministers of Environment for Latin America and the Caribbean (Buenos Aires, Argentina, 9-12 October 2018) called upon UNEP to additionally support pollution related issues, like the sound management of chemicals and waste, reduction of marine litter and microplastics, and air quality. The Forum has also established the Intergovernmental Network on Chemicals and Waste for Latin America and the Caribbean, the Intergovernmental Network on Atmospheric Pollution (in 2008), the Coalition for the progressive closure of dumpsites, and the Working Group reinforcing sub-regional and regional cooperation and facilitating the exchange of experiences in these areas. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office provides secretariat support to these Networks and initiatives, including support its governing bodies and the implementation of the related regional action plans. The LAC Office also supports the countries in the strengthening of the nexus environment and health, through integrated assessments, pollution prevention strategies, capacity building, awareness raising activities, etc., in coordination with relevant partners. Under the direct supervision of the Regional Coordinator on Chemicals and Pollution Action Programme in the Latin America and the Caribbean Office, the intern(s) will support different projects and initiatives carried out by the Unit at national and regional level to improve the sound management of chemicals and waste as well as promote actions for a clean air. One (or more) intern(s) is 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 UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO) / Chemicals and Pollution Unit. Under the direct supervision of the 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. • Support in the 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.

Qualifications/special skills

Academic 1. Applicants must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements: a. Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); b. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent). c. Have graduated with a university degree. 2. Have demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter. 3. 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. 4. Final year undergraduate or master’s degree student in in the field of communication and public awareness, International Relations, Social Sciences and/or related field of studies preferred. LANGUAGES For this internship, fluency in oral and writing English and Spanish is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable. SKILLS • 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.

Languages

Not available.

Additional Information

Not available.

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.