UNDP CoFSA Internship 2026 | Home-Based Role Transforming Food Systems in Panama: Great opportunity

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is at the forefront of sustainable development, leveraging global expertise to implement transformative initiatives that drive the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One of the organization’s newest opportunities, the CoFSA Convening and Community Intern role, invites passionate, motivated individuals to contribute to the transformation of Food Systems while gaining invaluable professional experience. Based in Panama City, Panama, this home-based internship offers six months of engagement with UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS), within the Nature, Climate, and Energy team.

Food Systems lie at the heart of sustainable development. They drive economies, determine health outcomes, and shape livelihoods across the 170 countries UNDP supports. However, these systems are increasingly under pressure from unsustainable production and consumption patterns, environmental degradation, and social inequalities. UNDP’s Strategy for Food Systems 2030 aims to tackle these challenges by creating resilient, equitable, and sustainable food and agricultural commodity systems. Through partnerships and systemic approaches, the strategy emphasizes diversified agroecological methods, the central role of smallholders, and the integration of economic, environmental, and social outcomes.

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About the CoFSA Convening and Community Intern Role

The Conscious Food Systems Alliance (CoFSA), launched publicly in October 2022, brings together more than 400 members and over 3,000 followers, forming a dynamic community of food, agriculture, and consciousness practitioners. CoFSA is a movement united around the goal of cultivating inner capacities that activate systemic change and regeneration across food systems. The upcoming Conscious Food Systems Summit, scheduled for Q3 2026 in Bhutan, represents a flagship initiative for the Alliance.

The CoFSA Convening and Community Intern will play a pivotal role in supporting both the operational and community engagement activities required to realize the Summit and advance the Alliance’s objectives. Reporting directly to the CoFSA Community Analyst, the intern will gain hands-on experience in international event planning, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications within a UN framework.

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Key Duties and Responsibilities

Summit Logistical and Operational Support:

• Assist in planning and organizing the Summit, including timelines, workplans, and follow-ups.
• Coordinate virtual and hybrid meetings, webinars, and calls related to Summit preparation.
• Maintain knowledge management and collaboration tools, such as Google Drive and Microsoft Teams.
• Support the preparation of presentations, briefing notes, meeting minutes, and background documents.

Community Engagement Support:

• Map and maintain stakeholder and CoFSA community databases, including donors, partners, grassroots networks, and members.
• Provide onboarding support for new members and maintain engagement within working groups.
• Assist in organizing community activities linked to the Summit and the broader Alliance.

Other Responsibilities:

• Conduct background research on donors, funding opportunities, and Summit-related topics.
• Support the recruitment process for CoFSA internships, including writing tests and interview arrangements.
• Assist with candidate applications, CV downloads, and other administrative support tasks.

Competencies and Skills

UNDP values a blend of technical skills and behavioral competencies. The successful intern will demonstrate:

• Achievement Orientation: Plans and monitors own work, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
• Innovation: Embraces creative problem-solving and makes pragmatic improvements.
• Continuous Learning: Open-minded, curious, and willing to share knowledge.
• Adaptability: Flexible in the face of change, ambiguity, or unexpected challenges.
• Determination: Motivated, confident, and able to deliver under pressure.
• Engagement and Partnership: Builds positive relationships and demonstrates empathy.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Appreciates differences, is aware of unconscious bias, and confronts discrimination.

Education and Experience Requirements

To be eligible for the internship, candidates must meet one of the following:

1. Be enrolled in the final year of a first university degree program (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in journalism, communications, environment, agriculture, sustainable development, economics, international development, social or political sciences, or related fields.
2. Be enrolled in a graduate program (second degree or equivalent) in the same fields.
3. Have recently graduated (within one year) from a relevant degree program.

Experience Requirements:

• Data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation.
• Communications, writing, and editing.
• Sustainability-focused work or research.

Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required.

Internship Conditions

Interns should be aware of the following conditions before signing the agreement:

• UNDP may provide a monthly stipend in accordance with the Internship Policy.
• Medical insurance is the responsibility of the intern. UNDP does not cover medical costs or reimburse expenses related to accidents or illness.
• Remote interns must provide their own equipment, internet access, and workspace.
• In-person interns will be provided with necessary workspace and equipment.
• The internship does not guarantee employment with UNDP. Interns are considered gratis personnel and cannot represent UNDP officially.

Why the CoFSA Internship Matters

Food Systems are fundamental to global health, livelihoods, and sustainable development. By joining UNDP as a CoFSA Convening and Community Intern, participants will contribute to systemic change in these critical areas. This internship offers a unique opportunity to:

• Gain practical experience in UNDP’s global policy network.
• Develop event planning and community management skills for high-impact international initiatives.
• Engage with diverse stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, private sector actors, and grassroots networks.
• Work directly with sustainability and food systems experts to advance UNDP’s 2030 vision.
• Build a professional network that spans global and local levels of development practice.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

UNDP is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The organization actively encourages individuals from marginalized or underserved populations to apply. By fostering an inclusive environment, UNDP ensures that all personnel are empowered to contribute meaningfully to the organization’s mission. All applicants are subject to reference and background checks to maintain a safe, ethical, and respectful work environment.

Application and Key Dates

• Posting Date: 26 March 2026
• Application Deadline: 10 April 2026
• Location: Panama City, Panama (home-based)
• Duration: 6 months
• Agency: UNDP, Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS)
• Contract Type: Internship Programme

Candidates are encouraged to review UNDP’s internship conditions before applying and ensure they meet all eligibility requirements. The application process is entirely free, and UNDP warns against any fraudulent solicitations requesting payment.

Final Thoughts

The CoFSA Convening and Community Intern opportunity represents more than just an internship—it is a chance to actively participate in transforming global food systems. Interns will gain hands-on experience, contribute to a high-profile international summit, and engage with a vibrant global community committed to sustainable development. By supporting systemic change in food and agricultural commodity systems, participants not only enhance their professional skills but also contribute to a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable world.

For ambitious students and recent graduates passionate about sustainability, food systems, and international development, this internship is a gateway to meaningful impact and a stepping stone into the UNDP ecosystem. Applications are open until 10 April 2026, and interested candidates are encouraged to seize this unique opportunity to join UNDP’s transformative work.