Work Location

Panama

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Backgroud Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of efforts to reduce disasters and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in both developed and less developed countries. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG), UNDRR has over 160 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices. Specifically, UNDRR guides, monitors, analyses and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, supports regional and national implementation of the Framework and catalyses action and increases global awareness to reduce disaster risk working with U.N. Member States and a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians and the science and technology community. The Government of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) will host the IX Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Americas and the Caribbean (RP27). The session is the leading regional forum for governments and stakeholders to share experiences, foster partnerships, and promote practical solutions to reduce disaster risk and build resilience. Rooted in the mandate of the Sendai Framework, it reflects the commitment of Member States and partners to advancing regional cooperation through inclusive, intergovernmental dialogue and action. RP27 will build on the momentum of previous platforms, providing a space to spotlight local leadership, innovation, and practical progress toward more resilient communities. Following the Midterm Review of the Sendai Framework, and as we enter the final stretch toward 2030, RP27 represents a critical opportunity to consolidate action. In addition, this regional platform highlights the leadership of Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in advancing disaster resilience. In particular, The Bahamas has made significant strides in revamping its disaster risk governance framework following the devastating impact of Hurricane Dorian in 2019, which caused an estimated $3.4 billion in losses and damages—91% of which affected the private sector. The country transitioned from a reactive approach to a proactive, integrated model of disaster risk management. This includes a stronger emphasis on mitigation, prevention, adaptation, and recovery planning, supported by the merger of its National Emergency Management Agency and Disaster Reconstruction Authority into the newly established Disaster Risk Management Authority. RP27 will provide an opportunity to assess regional progress toward the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and contribute to the implementation of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS). RP27 will also serve as a key forum to advance regional priorities, including resilient recovery, comprehensive disaster risk governance, and inclusive, all-of-society approaches to disaster risk management. A central focus will be the strengthening of multi-hazard early warning systems, not only as a life-saving tool, but also as an enabler of timely and informed decision-making across sectors. The Platform will further address the need for adequate financing—not only in terms of access, but also in the equitable distribution, effective use, and execution of resources at national and local levels. Drawing on insights from the 2024 Regional Assessment Report (RAR24), RP27 will spotlight the importance of systemic approaches, and of integrating risk considerations across development planning. It will showcase innovative practices and investments that are shifting the region toward a more resilient and sustainable future. The internship is for a duration of six (6) months. The internship is UNPAID and designed to be full-time and in person. This internship is located in the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean. Under the supervision of the External Relations Officer of UNDRR ROAC, the intern will assist in the planning and execution of in-person, hybrid, and virtual sessions.

Qualifications/special skills

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations, applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent). Interested candidates must be pursuing or pursued their degree in areas related to this Job Opening. Applicants must have good knowledge of standard software applications, especially MS Word, Power Point and MS Teams. Applicants must 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. Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master's or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor's, Master's or PH.D. Programme. Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in Spanish and English is required for this internship. Knowledge of French is desirable.

Additional Information

Due to the high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted.

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.

Support to the coordination of the Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (RP27) - Intern