Panama City, Panama

3-6 Months, Desired start date: 01 April 2026

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 and 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 UN Environment (UNEA). The overall objective of the Science-Policy Unit is to provide timely, scientifically credible, policy-relevant environmental analyses, data and information for decision-making and action planning for sustainable development. It monitors, analyses and reports on the state of the global environment, assesses global and regional environmental trends and provides early warning of emerging environmental threats. Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer of the Science Unit, in the Latin America and the Caribbean Office, the intern(s) will support the regional Environment under Review Subprogramme to expand in quality and scope, through research and administrative support at the Latin America and the Caribbean Office. Two intern(s) are sought for a three to 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 Science Policy Unit at the UNEP’s LAC Office, located in Panama City, Panama. OBJECTIVE The Science-Policy subprogramme provides timely, scientifically credible, policy-relevant environmental analyses, data and information for decision-making and action planning for sustainable development. It monitors, analyses and reports on the state of the global environment, assesses global and regional environmental trends and provides early warning of emerging environmental threats. The objective of this internship is to support the regional Science - Policy Subprogramme to expand in quality and scope, through analysis of key data and information produced in the Latin America and the Caribbean region. Applicants must be willing and prepared to undertake the internship in person with an option of working remotely for a part 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. Main tasks to be carried out within the framework of this internship are: 1. General support for the implementation of the biennial workplan of the Science - Policy Subprogramme. 2. Ensure smooth coordination and regular exchange of information with focal points of the UNEP´s Regional Environmental Information Network (REIN) through regular communications, support and facilitation of meetings and other activities as requested by the staff members of the Unit. 3. Follow up with countries regarding current production of SDGs indicators where UNEP is the custodian agency. 4. Support the Unit in the continuous updating and data enrichment of the regional data platform maintained by UNEP. 5. Conduct secondary data research to support the development of concept notes, proposals, policy briefs or activities. 6. Support the preparation of communications pieces, technical briefing notes, news pieces, draft reports and publications as necessary. 7. Support the start-up phase of any projects if required. 8. Assist in the organization of meetings, training and workshops. 9. Support other activities as requested. OUTPUTS/ WORK ASSIGNMENTS Main outputs/products expected for this internship are listed below. a) General support in the elaboration of progress reports of the Subprogramme. b) Minutes of the coordination meetings with REIN Focal Points and other strategic stakeholders. c) General support in the elaboration of the draft report of the progress of the SDG environmental indicators produced in the LAC region. d) Data and information gathering, validation and upload into the UNEP regional data platform. e) Concept notes and project designs supported by robust research and data analysis. f) Communications opportunities identified, and communications pieces published (target at least one every two months).

• Be enrolled in a master's degree programme in Engineering, Economics, Statistics, Environmental Science or other relevant field of study; or • Be enrolled in the final academic year of a Bachelor's degree program in in Engineering, Economics, Statistics, Environmental Science or other relevant field of study; or • Have graduated with a university degree in Engineering, Economics, Statistics, Environmental Science or other relevant field of study. The candidate should have: - Strong analytical skills, and sound knowledge of Environmental data management and Statistics, Economics and Environmental Management. - Excellent communication and writing skills in Spanish and English, as well as a high degree of planning and organizational skills, coordination, creativity, be technologically aware and works well as a team. - 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. - 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. Competencies 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, willing to learn from others. • Places team agenda before personal agenda. • Supports and acts in accordance with final group decisions, 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. Work experience not required

For this internship, fluency in oral and writing English and Spanish are required, since work will require research and communication, including reading and interviews, in both languages. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Not available.

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.

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.