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