Communications Intern – Conscious Food Systems Alliance (CoFSA) | UNDP (Remote)

March 5, 2025

13 minutes read

This Conscious Food Systems Alliance (CoFSA) Communications Intern position is a home-based internship under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), specifically within the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) in Panama City, Panama. It is a full-time, six-month internship that requires fluency in English and focuses on communications, content creation, and engagement strategies related to sustainable food systems and regenerative agriculture.

About the Role:

As a Communications Intern, you will support the Conscious Food Systems Alliance (CoFSA), a movement dedicated to transforming food and agricultural systems by integrating inner development practices, such as mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and traditional wisdom. CoFSA is focused on helping individuals in food systems (such as farmers, policymakers, and businesses) develop personal and collective leadership capacities to drive systemic change toward sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

Content Creation & Communications:
- Develop and update newsletters, website content, and social media posts (LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube).
- Write and edit briefing notes, meeting minutes, and reports.
- Design visual content (flyers, presentations, videos) using Adobe Creative Suite.
Engagement & Outreach:
- Support CoFSA’s engagement campaigns and strategies.
- Assist in managing mailing lists and photo assets.
- Plan and execute webinars, workshops, and community-building events.
Knowledge Management & Reporting:
- Collect, analyze, and present data and insights related to CoFSA’s work.
- Maintain and update the CoFSA website.
- Support the development of internal communications reports and tools.

What is CoFSA?

CoFSA is a UNDP initiative that promotes holistic approaches to transforming food and agriculture systems. It believes that real change in sustainability and food security starts from within people—helping individuals and organizations develop inner capacities such as self-awareness, resilience, collaboration, and systems thinking.

In recent years, CoFSA has:

Hosted Consciousness Practice Sessions (mindfulness, nature-connection, non-violent communication, etc.).
Launched funding opportunities for projects that integrate consciousness-based approaches in food systems.
Created a leadership development program to help food system leaders drive systemic transformation.

Ideal Candidate & Required Skills:

Education:
- Must be enrolled in or have recently graduated from a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in fields such as:
  - Journalism, Communications, Sustainable Development, Agriculture, Environment, International Development, Political/Social Sciences, or related fields.
Experience & Skills:
- Strong background in writing, editing, and content creation.
- Experience in social media management and digital communications.
- Skills in graphic design and video editing (Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro).
- Knowledge or interest in sustainability, food systems, and environmental issues.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and event coordination skills.
Language Requirement:
- Fluency in English is required.

Internship Conditions:

Unpaid internship (though a monthly stipend may be provided).
Interns must provide their own medical insurance.
The role is remote but may involve online collaboration with CoFSA partners worldwide.
There is no expectation of employment after the internship.
Interns must provide documentation (CV, motivational letter, proof of enrollment, medical certificate, etc.).

Why Apply?

This internship is a great opportunity if you are:

Passionate about sustainability, food systems, and regenerative agriculture.
Looking to build a career in communications, environmental policy, or international development.
Interested in working with global networks, policymakers, and experts.
Seeking hands-on experience in digital media, storytelling, and campaign management.

Would you like help with your application? I can assist with writing a strong CV, motivational letter, or portfolio to make your application stand out! 🚀

Conscious Food Systems Alliance (CoFSA) Communications Intern (Home-based) – UNDP

Introduction to CoFSA and UNDP

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading global development network, working to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and promote sustainable development worldwide. Within UNDP, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) provides strategic guidance and policy advisory services to support sustainable development initiatives.

As part of BPPS, the Conscious Food Systems Alliance (CoFSA) is an innovative movement that integrates inner development, consciousness-based approaches, and systemic transformation to reimagine global food and agricultural systems. CoFSA aims to empower individuals, organizations, and policymakers by fostering mindfulness, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and regenerative leadership in decision-making processes.

What is the Purpose of CoFSA?

CoFSA believes that the transformation of food systems requires more than just technical and policy solutions—it needs a shift in mindsets, behaviors, and leadership styles. By incorporating meditation, indigenous wisdom, neuroscience, and emotional intelligence, CoFSA seeks to drive positive change in food production, distribution, and consumption to support global food security, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

The alliance includes farmers, policymakers, researchers, UN agencies, NGOs, and private sector partners working together to build a more sustainable, regenerative, and equitable food system.

Role Overview: Communications Intern (Home-based)

This is a six-month, full-time internship with a strong focus on communications, digital content creation, and strategic engagement. The intern will work remotely and support CoFSA’s efforts in community engagement, storytelling, and knowledge sharing to amplify its impact worldwide.

Key Responsibilities:

1️⃣ Content Creation & Digital Communications

Develop and publish engaging social media content (LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter) to promote CoFSA’s initiatives.
Write and edit newsletters, blog posts, articles, and reports to share insights on sustainable food systems.
Design visual materials (flyers, graphics, infographics, presentations) using Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, Canva, etc.).
Assist in producing and editing short-form videos for storytelling and advocacy.
Ensure CoFSA’s brand identity and messaging remain consistent across all platforms.

2️⃣ Community Engagement & Outreach

Assist in planning and managing online events, webinars, and workshops with international partners.
Support stakeholder engagement strategies, including outreach to policymakers, researchers, and grassroots organizations.
Manage and update CoFSA’s mailing list, online community platforms, and member database.
Engage with global audiences by monitoring and responding to social media interactions.

3️⃣ Knowledge Management & Reporting

Collect and analyze data and impact metrics from communication campaigns.
Support CoFSA’s website updates with fresh content and multimedia materials.
Draft briefing notes, meeting summaries, and strategic reports to document key discussions and initiatives.
Conduct research on emerging trends in sustainable agriculture, food systems policy, and regenerative practices.

Who Should Apply? (Eligibility and Skills Required)

🎓 Education:

Applicants must be currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in:
- Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Digital Media
- Environmental Science, Agriculture, Sustainable Development
- International Relations, Political Science, Social Sciences
- Other related fields

🛠️ Essential Skills & Experience:

✅ Strong written and verbal communication skills (English fluency required).
✅ Experience in content writing, editing, and storytelling.
✅ Familiarity with social media management (LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube).
✅ Basic knowledge of graphic design and video editing tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Premiere Pro).
✅ Interest in sustainability, regenerative agriculture, and food systems transformation.
✅ Strong organizational and analytical skills.
✅ Ability to work independently and meet deadlines in a remote environment.

🌍 Bonus Skills (Preferred but Not Required):

Knowledge of Spanish, French, or other UN languages.
Familiarity with web content management (WordPress, Wix, or similar platforms).
Experience with event planning and coordination.
Background in human-centered storytelling, mindfulness, or inner development practices.

Internship Conditions & Benefits

💡 Key Details

📍 Location: Remote (Home-based)
🕒 Duration: 6 months, full-time
💰 Stipend: Some UNDP offices may offer a monthly stipend, but the internship is unpaid.
📜 Certificate: Upon successful completion, interns receive a UNDP internship certificate.

Internship Requirements Vacancies

Must provide proof of enrollment in a university program or recent graduation.
Interns must arrange their own medical insurance for the duration of the internship.
No guarantee of employment after the internship.

🎯 Why Apply? (Career Benefits)

✅ Work with a global network of sustainability and food systems experts.
✅ Gain hands-on experience in communications, advocacy, and digital media.
✅ Enhance professional skills in sustainable development and food systems policy.
✅ Build a strong portfolio of digital content, reports, and engagement strategies.
✅ Contribute to a meaningful cause—helping reshape global food systems!

How to Apply?

Interested applicants should prepare:
📄 Updated CV/Resume
📝 Motivational Letter explaining why they are passionate about CoFSA’s mission
📜 Proof of Enrollment (if still a student) or diploma (if recently graduated)
🩺 Medical Certificate confirming insurance coverage

Deadline: The application deadline varies, so check the official UNDP careers page for up-to-date information.

Final Thoughts

This internship is ideal for individuals passionate about communications, sustainability, and regenerative food systems. It offers an incredible opportunity to develop storytelling skills, engage with global partners, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Would you like help preparing your CV, motivational letter, or portfolio for the application? I’d be happy to assist! 🚀

Expanded and highly detailed version of the Conscious Food Systems Alliance (CoFSA) Communications Intern job description, including background information, responsibilities, qualifications, expected benefits, and application process.

Conscious Food Systems Alliance (CoFSA) Communications Intern (Home-Based) – UNDP

Introduction to UNDP and CoFSA

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s leading agency in promoting sustainable development, working across 170+ countries to address global challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, and governance. UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) provides guidance on sustainable development policies and initiatives.

What is the Conscious Food Systems Alliance (CoFSA)?

The Conscious Food Systems Alliance (CoFSA) is a groundbreaking initiative launched by UNDP to address food system challenges through inner transformation, systemic awareness, and regenerative leadership. Recognizing that sustainable food systems cannot be achieved solely through policies, technologies, or regulations, CoFSA seeks to cultivate a new mindset and behavioral approach among key stakeholders, including farmers, policymakers, businesses, researchers, and consumers.

CoFSA incorporates elements such as:

Mindfulness, Emotional Intelligence, and Self-Reflection – to develop conscious leadership and decision-making.
Indigenous Wisdom and Holistic Practices – integrating traditional ecological knowledge into food and agricultural systems.
Systems Thinking and Regenerative Agriculture – fostering sustainable farming, ethical food production, and biodiversity preservation.
Community Building and Knowledge Sharing – creating a global network of practitioners, policymakers, and institutions focused on food system transformation.

CoFSA is supported by a diverse community of partners, including UN agencies, NGOs, policymakers, regenerative agriculture practitioners, social entrepreneurs, and researchers who are committed to redefining the future of food production, consumption, and governance.

Internship Overview: Communications Intern (Home-Based)

What is This Internship About?

The CoFSA Communications Internship is a six-month, home-based opportunity designed for individuals passionate about sustainability, food systems, and digital storytelling. This internship provides hands-on experience in digital media, strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge management.

The selected intern will work closely with the CoFSA Communications and Advocacy Team, supporting outreach activities, content creation, and digital engagement to amplify CoFSA’s impact globally. The role involves producing written, visual, and multimedia content to engage stakeholders and promote CoFSA’s initiatives on various digital platforms.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

As a Communications Intern, you will be responsible for:

1️⃣ Content Creation and Digital Storytelling

Develop high-quality content for CoFSA’s digital platforms, including blog posts, newsletters, and case studies.
Create engaging social media content (LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube) to increase visibility.
Design infographics, reports, and promotional materials using Canva, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), and Figma.
Assist in scriptwriting, video editing, and visual storytelling for CoFSA’s campaigns.
Maintain a consistent brand voice and messaging strategy across all platforms.

Develop and execute a content calendar for CoFSA’s digital outreach.
Monitor, track, and analyze social media performance using tools like Google Analytics, Hootsuite, and Meta Insights.
Engage with CoFSA’s online community by responding to comments, messages, and discussions.
Explore new digital engagement strategies, including interactive content and influencer collaborations.

3️⃣ Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Support

Assist in organizing virtual webinars, workshops, and networking events with global stakeholders.
Support email outreach campaigns to engage CoFSA’s partners, members, and policy networks.
Maintain and update CoFSA’s community database, newsletter subscriber list, and stakeholder contacts.
Support press releases, media briefings, and public relations efforts.

4️⃣ Knowledge Management and Reporting

Conduct research on sustainable food systems, regenerative agriculture, and food policy trends.
Assist in curating and summarizing relevant reports, case studies, and academic papers.
Prepare monthly communication reports, impact assessments, and engagement metrics.
Help document best practices and success stories from CoFSA’s initiatives.

Who Should Apply?

🎓 Education Requirements

Applicants must be currently enrolled or recently graduated (within the last two years) from a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in:

Communications, Journalism, Digital Media, Public Relations
Sustainability, Environmental Science, Agricultural Studies
International Relations, Political Science, or Social Sciences
Other relevant fields

🛠️ Required Skills and Experience

Excellent writing and storytelling abilities in English (proficiency in French or Spanish is a plus).
Familiarity with social media platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube) and engagement strategies.
Experience in graphic design, content creation, and video editing (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar tools).
Basic knowledge of website management (WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace).
Strong research skills in food systems, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture.
Self-motivated, organized, and able to work independently in a remote setting.

🌍 Additional Preferred Skills

Experience with event coordination and webinar facilitation.
Knowledge of Google Analytics, Hootsuite, or other social media analytics tools.
Awareness of indigenous food systems, mindfulness practices, and regenerative leadership.

Internship Conditions and Benefits

📍 Location: Remote (Home-Based)
🕒 Duration: 6 months, full-time
💰 Stipend: Some UNDP offices provide a monthly stipend (depending on country policies), but the internship is generally unpaid.
📜 Certificate: Interns receive an official UNDP Internship Certificate upon completion.

Internship Requirements

Must provide proof of enrollment in a university or proof of recent graduation.
Interns must arrange their own medical insurance and provide proof of coverage.
UNDP does not guarantee employment after the internship.

Why Apply? (Key Benefits)

✅ Gain real-world experience in sustainability and global food systems advocacy.
✅ Work with top experts, policymakers, and sustainability professionals.
✅ Develop technical skills in communications, media strategy, and content creation.
✅ Enhance your portfolio with published content, social media campaigns, and reports.
✅ Be part of a global movement reshaping the future of food systems.

How to Apply?

📄 Updated CV/Resume
📝 Motivational Letter (explaining why you’re passionate about food systems and digital communications)
📜 Proof of Enrollment or Recent Graduation
🩺 Medical Insurance Proof

💡 Deadline: Check the UNDP Careers Page for current application deadlines.

Final Thoughts

This home-based internship is an exceptional opportunity for students and recent graduates passionate about sustainable food systems, regenerative agriculture, and digital storytelling. If you are eager to use your communication skills to drive systemic change, this role is perfect for you!

Would you like assistance in crafting your CV, motivation letter, or preparing for the application? I’d be happy to help! 🚀

The Conscious Food Systems Alliance (CoFSA) Communications Intern is a home-based internship opportunity offered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), specifically within the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support’s Nature, Climate, and Energy practice area. The position is located in Panama City, Panama, and is scheduled for a full-time commitment over a duration of six months. The application deadline for this role is March 10, 2025, at 5:59 AM.

jobs.undp.org

Background

UNDP serves as the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development within the UN Development System, acting as an integrator to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) is responsible for developing policies and guidance to support UNDP’s Strategic Plan outcomes. BPPS staff provide technical advice to country offices, advocate for UNDP’s corporate messages, represent UNDP at multi-stakeholder forums, and engage in UN inter-agency coordination on specific thematic areas.

Within BPPS, the Nature, Climate, and Energy hubs promote integrated approaches and nature-based solutions that address issues such as poverty, inequalities, livelihoods, inclusive growth, conflict, forced migration, and governance systems. They oversee a multi-billion-dollar portfolio encompassing areas like biodiversity, sustainable land management, water and ocean governance, climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable energy, extractive industries, chemicals and waste management, environmental governance, and sustainable consumption and production approaches.

UNDP has developed a Strategy for Food and Agricultural Commodity Systems (FACS) to enhance its support in transforming these systems. FACS are fundamental to the sustainable development of the 170 countries UNDP supports, contributing significantly to economies, health, and the achievement of the SDGs. However, current FACS practices are on an unsustainable trajectory, leading to ecosystem degradation, conflicts over resources, reduced resilience to shocks, persistent poverty, food insecurity, malnutrition, and related displacement and migration. There is a clear need for systemic and integrated approaches to transform FACS towards sustainability.

As part of its work on systems change, the FACS practice has developed the Conscious Food Systems Alliance (CoFSA). CoFSA is a movement of food, agriculture, and consciousness practitioners, convened by UNDP, united around a common goal: to support individuals across food and agriculture systems in cultivating the inner capacities that activate systemic change and regeneration. The Alliance aims to integrate evidence-based consciousness approaches and practices—such as nature-connection, compassion, mindfulness, non-violent communication, and self-reflection—into food systems initiatives.

undp.org

Duties and Responsibilities

The CoFSA Communications Intern will support the CoFSA Team in various tasks, including:

Designing and updating communications content for the CoFSA newsletter, website, and social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube).
Preparing presentations, slide decks, briefing notes, meeting minutes, and reports.
Designing visuals, flyers, and editing videos using Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Adobe Premiere Pro).
Supporting CoFSA engagement campaigns and strategies.
Updating the CoFSA websites.
Collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data in flowcharts, tables, or slides.
Organizing webinars, workshops, knowledge management tools, and events.
Translating, proofreading, formatting, and editing documents.
Managing mailing lists and photo assets.
Providing support on internal communications reporting and products.

Competencies

The ideal candidate should demonstrate the following competencies:

Achieve Results: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadlines.
Think Innovatively: Open to creative ideas, pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.
Learn Continuously: Open-minded, curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.
Adapt with Agility: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity and uncertainty, is flexible.
Act with Determination: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in the face of adversity, confident.
Engage and Partner: Demonstrates compassion and understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Appreciates and respects differences, is aware of unconscious bias, confronts discrimination.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Candidates must meet one of the following criteria:

Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent) in fields such as journalism, communications, environment, agriculture, sustainable development, economics, international development, social/political sciences, or related fields.
Be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) in the aforementioned fields.
Have graduated with a university degree in the aforementioned fields and, if selected, must start the internship within one year of graduation.

Experience:

Experience in journalism, mass communications, social media, interpretation, and presentation.
Experience in communications, writing, and editing.
Experience in sustainability.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English is required.

Internship Conditions

Applicants should become familiar with the internship conditions prior to signing an internship agreement. For detailed information, visit UNDP’s internship page.

Institutional Arrangements

The intern will report to the CoFSA Lead Technical Advisor.

Financial Aspects, Expenses, and Medical Benefits

UNDP will not pay for the internship but may provide a monthly stipend in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP Internship policy.
UNDP accepts no responsibility for medical insurance for the intern or for any costs arising from accidents and/or illness during the internship period

Sources