Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the designated entity of the United Nations system for addressing environmental issues at both global and regional levels. UNEP's mission is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus, ensuring that the global environment is continuously monitored and that emerging issues are brought to the attention of governments and the international community for action. Established as a response to the growing environmental challenges, UNEP plays a crucial role in fostering international cooperation and promoting sustainable development. The Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, Panama, serves the needs of 33 countries in the region and integrates its activities into the work programmes approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). The Forum of Ministers of Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean, which UNEP LACO serves as its Secretariat, is the longest-standing and most significant platform for political dialogue and collaboration among the countries in the region regarding environmental matters.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at UNEP LACO is designed for individuals seeking to gain practical experience in the field of environmental policy and management. Interns will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer in the Regional Director's Office, contributing to the activities of the Forum of Ministers of Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean. This role is particularly focused on supporting the identification and processing of information related to the environmental priorities of the countries in the region. Interns will engage in various tasks that include organizing meetings and webinars, preparing agendas, drafting background materials, and compiling meeting reports. The position requires a commitment of five days per week, totaling 40 hours, and is expected to last between three to six months. It is important to note that this internship is unpaid, providing an opportunity for interns to gain valuable experience while contributing to significant environmental initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a wide range of tasks that support the operations of the Forum of Ministers of Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean. Key duties include:

• Contributing to the identification and processing of information related to the environmental priorities of the countries in the region.
• Assisting in the organization of meetings, webinars, and similar activities, which involves preparing agendas, drafting background materials, and compiling meeting reports in close coordination with the Programme Management Officer.
• Supporting the preparation of briefing notes, information materials, and PowerPoint presentations.
• Regularly updating the webpages of the Forum and preparing communications materials such as press releases and newsletters.
• Updating databases related to regional focal points and activities of the Forum.
• Conducting research, analysis, and drafting documents that present data and information gathered from diverse sources to support the implementation of the Forum's activities.
• Supporting the work of Working Groups of the Forum by preparing meeting materials, taking notes, and gathering relevant information from various sources.
• Assisting with other activities of the Regional Director's Office as requested.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements at the time of application: a. Be enrolled in a Master's Degree program in international relations, law, public administration, business administration, environmental management, or a related field; OR b. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a Bachelor's degree program in international relations, law, public administration, business administration, environmental management, or a related field; OR c. Have graduated with a university degree in international relations, law, public administration, business administration, environmental management, or a related field. Additionally, candidates must possess a working knowledge of MS Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Importantly, no prior working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme, as the focus is on the candidate's training, education, advanced coursework, or skills that can benefit the United Nations during the internship.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in or completion of a degree in fields such as international relations, law, public administration, business administration, environmental management, or related disciplines. Candidates must either be currently pursuing a Master's degree, be in the final year of a Bachelor's degree program, or have already graduated with a relevant university degree. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of environmental policy and management, which are central to the work of UNEP.

Experience:
This internship does not require any prior working experience, making it an excellent opportunity for students or recent graduates to gain practical experience in the field of environmental policy and management. The focus is on the candidate's educational background and skills that can contribute to the work of the United Nations. Interns are expected to leverage their academic training and coursework to support the initiatives of UNEP effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English and Spanish is required for this internship position. This bilingual proficiency is crucial for effective communication and collaboration within the diverse environment of UNEP. Additionally, knowledge of Portuguese or French is considered an advantage, as it may enhance the intern's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and resources within the region.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially compensated by the United Nations, and all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. It is advised that successful candidates discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training.