Work Location

hybrid

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 International Environmental Cooperation. Under the direct supervision of the Regional Coordinator on Chemicals and Pollution, of the Latin America and the Caribbean Office, the interns will be supporting 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. More specifically, the job will entail the following tasks: • Support the Secretariat tasks of the Intergovernmental Network on Chemicals and Waste for Latin America and the Caribbean, including the meetings of the Steering Committee and focal points for the implementation of the regional action plan. • Support the Secretariat tasks of the Intergovernmental Network on Atmospheric Pollution for Latin America and the Caribbean, including the meetings of the Steering Committee and focal points for the implementation and monitoring of the Regional Actional Plan 2022-2025 on Air Quality, as well as awareness-raising and capacity building activities. • Support the Secretariat tasks of the Voluntary Coalition for the progressive closure of dumpsites, including the meetings of the Steering Committee and focal points, and the implementation of the Work Plan 2024-2025 of the Coalition. • Support the Secretariat tasks of the Working Group on Plastic and Microplastic pollution in Latin America and the Caribbean, including the meetings with governmental focal points, the development of minutes and PowerPoint presentations, supporting technical research on plastic and microplastics pollution, the implementation of the Annual Programme of Work 2025 and other related tasks. • Carry out research, analysis and drafting of documents presenting data and information gathered from diverse sources to support the implementation of the chemicals and pollution projects. • Support the preparation of briefings, information material and power point presentations. • Support project development and implementation of relevant projects by gathering relevant information and data. • 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 International Relations, Social Sciences and/or related field of studies ; OR b. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a Bachelor degree program International Relations, Social Sciences and/or related field of studies ; OR c. Have graduated with a university degree in International Relations, Social Sciences and/or related field of studies 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. • Ability to write thematic and progress reports, including the management and visualization of data 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.