Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) Initiative in the Americas and the Caribbean - Internship

Job Description

Internship Opportunity – UNDRR Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean (ROAC)

Work Location

• Home-based

Expected Duration

• 6 months

Background

• Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the UN system’s focal point for coordinating disaster reduction efforts and ensuring synergies among UN and regional activities.
• Led by the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG), UNDRR has over 160 staff in Geneva headquarters and regional offices.
• UNDRR guides, monitors, analyzes, and reports on progress in implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030.
• The office supports regional and national implementation of the Framework, catalyzes action, and raises global awareness on disaster risk reduction in partnership with UN Member States, civil society, private sector, parliamentarians, and the science and technology community.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Duration of the internship: six (6) months, full-time, remote, and UNPAID
• Under supervision of the Program Management Officer and Regional Coordinator for Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) at UNDRR ROAC, the intern will support the initiative by:
• • Conducting research: Undertake background research on urban resilience, local governance, and disaster risk reduction practices to inform MCR2030 activities and knowledge products.
  • Drafting documents, articles, and reports: Assist in drafting and revising concept notes, internal documents, and technical briefs; contribute to documenting good practices and lessons learned.
  • Cataloguing information and analyzing data: Support systematization of information from MCR2030 Scorecard assessments and other tools; organize data and prepare concise summaries of findings.
  • Organizing events: Provide logistical and substantive support for workshops, webinars, and technical meetings, including note-taking and preparing summary records.
  • Media campaigns and outreach: Assist in designing and preparing communication materials, digital content, and outreach materials to promote MCR2030 activities and engage with cities, partners, and stakeholders.

Qualifications / Special Skills

• Enrolled in, or completed, a graduate program; or enrolled in, or completing, the final year of a first university degree (minimum bachelor’s level)
• Degree in areas related to disaster risk reduction, urban resilience, governance, or similar fields
• Good knowledge of standard software applications (MS Word, PowerPoint, MS Teams)
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs
• Professional work experience is not required, but the field of study should closely relate to the internship
• Must provide proof of enrollment or completion of the degree program

Languages

• Fluency in English and Spanish required
• Knowledge of Portuguese is desirable

Additional Information

• Due to the high volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted
• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
• UNDRR values diversity and welcomes applications from qualified women, men, and people with disabilities
• Interns are not financially remunerated; costs for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution
• Non-citizens or non-permanent residents may need to obtain the appropriate visa or work authorization before accepting the internship

Deadline : Oct 30, 2025