Intern (Environment Affairs)

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. 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 UN Environment (UNEA). The Latin America & the Caribbean Office has, under its auspices, two Sub-Regional Offices - one for the Caribbean in Kingston Jamaica and the other one for the Southern Cone located in Montevideo, Uruguay. UNEP’s Caribbean Sub-Regional Office located in Jamaica opened in February 2016, coordinates and reports on activities of UNEP and works in close partnership with all Divisions, UN Country Teams and external partners. It leads UNEP’s collaboration with other UN agencies, research institutions and non-governmental organizations in the Caribbean, towards achieving internationally agreed targets. It has a small but growing team, including an Office Head, a Programme Management Officer, a Team Assistant and a UN Volunteer. In addition, it expects to host project and programme staff members who are active in the sub-region (e.g. Global Environment Facility Task Managers). Many countries in the sub-region are committed to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and to framing their economic policies and practices around sustainability to advance the 2030 Agenda to foster economic growth, create income and jobs, reduce poverty and inequality, and strengthen the ecological foundations of their economies. The countries have requested UNEP’s support in this endeavor. In this regard, under the direct supervision of the Head of the Caribbean Sub-Regional Office, the intern(s) will support in serving the needs of the countries, particularly in their efforts towards COVID-19 recovery and sustainable development. 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 Caribbean Sub-Regional Office. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, applicants may be requested to undertake the internship remotely in view of constraints regarding visa issuance, international travel and access to UN premises. Applicants must be willing and prepared to undertake the internship remotely for a part or the entirety of the internship. The work hours during the internship shall be determined based on individual discussion between the intern and the supervisor(s) taking into consideration the minimum requirements of the Organization and the time difference between the hosting office and the location of the intern.

Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual’s background, the intern’s assigned office as well as the internship period. Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Caribbean Sub-Regional Office, the intern will be supporting the following projects and initiatives: Assist in supporting CSRO’s advocacy and the delivery of UNEP’s medium-term strategies, programmes of work as well as projects and initiatives in climate change, biodiversity, environmental governance, ecosystem management, pollution, disaster management, chemicals and waste. The intern will support in the cooperation and collaboration with other UN agencies, governments, research institutions, non-governmental organizations and development partners in the Caribbean, towards addressing national and sub-regional priorities and issues efficiently and effectively as well as achieving internationally agreed targets. More specifically, the job will entail the following tasks: -Develop project documents/concept notes based on UNEP’s Programme of Work and Medium-Term Strategy and in line with needs and priorities of member states; -Conduct research, assessments and surveys on related topics to inform project development; -Participate in consultations and meetings with governments, regional and sub-regional partners and other stakeholders on environment to assist project definition and design; -Assist in analysing work programme mandates and translate these into specific projects; -Assist in maintaining the database of projects in the sub-region; -Assist in the preparation of relevant documentation and presentations for meetings, workshops and office events. -Assist in planning, organizing and reporting on meetings, conferences and workshops; -Provide any other programme support as well as administrative assistance to the Caribbean Sub-Regional Office team as and when necessary. -Assist in monitoring and reporting on the implementation of projects and programmes and provide recommendations for follow on activities. -Provide updates on relevant emerging issues on the environment to inform project/programme development

Communication: -Speaks and writes clearly and effectively -Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately -Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication -Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience -Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed Teamwork: -Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals -Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others -Places team agenda before personal agenda -Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position -Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings Client Orientation: -Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients " and seeks to see things from clients' point of view -Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect -Identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions -Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems -Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects -Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client

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. Be computer literate in standard software applications. 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. Final year undergraduate or master’s degree student in Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources, Economics, International Development and/or related field of studies preferred.

No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship.

Excellent writing and communication skills in English is required. Working knowledge of Spanish or another UN official languages is desirable NOTE: "Fluency equals a rating of "fluent" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and "Knowledge of" equals a rating of "confident" in two of the four areas.