Work With US

About the Initiative

forNature is collaborating with the Government of Panama to advance an international initiative for a Universal Declaration of the Rights of Nature at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Building on Panama’s leadership in recognizing the Rights of Nature at the national level, the initiative seeks to build diplomatic support, strengthen civil society engagement, and advance global conversations on ecological governance, international law, and the paradigm shift that Rights of Nature offers for a renewed relationship that properly balances humanity’s needs and the protection of Nature as a holder of intrinsic rights.

 

The initiative is being carried forward in close coordination with the Permanent Mission of Panama to the United Nations in New York, alongside allies from civil society, non-governmental organizations, Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities, academic institutions, legal experts, scientists, and international partners.

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Position Overview

The Policy Fellow will provide part-time support to the UN Universal Declaration of the Rights of Nature Initiative, working directly with and from the Permanent Mission of Panama to the United Nations in New York.

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This is a unique opportunity for a graduate student, recent graduate, or early-career professional interested in international environmental law, high-level international environmental advocacy and multilateral diplomacy, human rights, Indigenous rights, climate and biodiversity governance, and the Rights of Nature movement.

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The Policy Fellow will support research, policy analysis, diplomatic engagement, meeting preparation, note-taking, and coordination related to the initiative. The Fellow will work closely with the Permanent Mission of Panama, forNature, and other initiative partners to help advance the diplomatic and policy strategy. This is a part-time fellowship with a modest stipend.

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Key Responsibilities

Policy and Legal Research

• Conduct research on Rights of Nature, international environmental law, human rights, Indigenous rights, climate governance, biodiversity, and related United Nations processes, governance, and institutions.

• Track relevant UN resolutions, declarations, reports, negotiations, side events, and policy developments.

• Support comparative research on existing national, local, constitutional, judicial, and Indigenous frameworks recognizing the Rights of Nature.

• Help prepare policy briefs, background notes, talking points, and summaries for diplomatic and civil society audiences.

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Diplomatic and UN Engagement Support

• Support the Permanent Mission of Panama and initiative partners in preparing for bilateral meetings with other UN Member States.

• Assist with drafting meeting agendas, briefing materials, and follow-up notes.

• Take notes during meetings, consultations, and events, and help identify next steps.

• Help track diplomatic outreach, Member State engagement, and potential areas of support or concern.

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Coordination and Project Support

• Support coordination between the Permanent Mission of Panama, forNature, and other partners involved in the initiative.

• Help maintain contact lists, meeting trackers, and policy documents.

• Assist with scheduling, logistics, and preparation for meetings and events in New York.

• Support the organization of briefings, roundtables, consultations, and other convenings related to the initiative.

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Communications and Materials Support

• Assist in drafting and reviewing clear, accessible materials related to the initiative.

• Support the development of concept notes, one-pagers, FAQs, and summaries for different audiences.

• Help ensure that materials accurately reflect the legal, diplomatic, and political dimensions of the initiative.

• Contribute to internal updates and summaries for the initiative team.

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Desired Qualifications

• Graduate student, recent graduate, or early-career professional in international law, environmental law, international relations, environmental policy, human rights, Indigenous rights, political science, public policy, or a related field.

• Strong interest in the Rights of Nature, ecological governance, climate justice, biodiversity, Indigenous rights, and international law.

• Familiarity with United Nations processes, multilateral diplomacy, or international policy spaces.

• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to work in a fast-moving, diplomatic, and collaborative environment.

• Professional discretion and sensitivity when working with government representatives, civil society partners, and international stakeholders.

• Fluency in English and Spanish is required.

• Based in New York City or able to work in person from the Permanent Mission of Panama to the United Nations.

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Time Commitment and Compensation

This is a part-time fellowship based in New York City, with work carried out primarily from the Permanent Mission of Panama to the United Nations.

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The expected time commitment is approximately 15 hours per week, with some flexibility depending on the initiative’s calendar, UN meetings, and events.

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The Fellow will receive a modest stipend of $2,000/month for the fellowship period. The stipend amount is before taxes, and fellows are responsible for any applicable tax obligations. No additional employee benefits or reimbursements are provided as part of this fellowship. 

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Fellowship Period

The initial fellowship period will run from September 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension depending on the initiative's needs, availability, and funding.

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How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• A resume or CV

• A brief statement of interest

• A short writing sample (already written) related to Rights of Nature or other Nature-related work.

• Availability and proposed start date

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Applications should be sent to info@fornature.org with the subject line:
Policy Fellow Application – UN Universal Declaration of the Rights of Nature Initiative. The application deadline is August 14, 2026. Selected candidates will be invited for interviews, and final decisions will be communicated by August 28, 2026. 

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Equal Opportunity Statement

forNature values diverse perspectives and strongly encourages applications from candidates from different backgrounds, disciplines, and lived experiences. International applicants and non-U.S. citizens are welcome to apply. Please note that the fellowship does not provide visa sponsorship or immigration support, and eligibility to work in the United States is required.