Job Description
Internship – Digital Policy and Technology Research, Office of the Chief Digital Officer, UNEP
Work Location:
Remote with reporting line to Nairobi, with the option to be hosted in the NYC office. This internship is designed to be in-person and full-time, but may be conducted remotely and/or part-time depending on the candidate’s situation.
Expected Duration:
6 months
Duties and Responsibilities
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes coherent implementation of environmental sustainability within the United Nations system, and advocates for environmental action at the global level.
The Office of the Chief Digital Officer (CDO) plays a key role in UNEP’s digital transformation, data strategy, and technology policy. The internship supports UNEP’s effort to become a more data-driven, agile, transparent, and effective partner in addressing the triple planetary crises of climate change, nature loss, and pollution.
Interns will work under the supervision of the Associate Data Scientist. The internship is UNPAID, and interns are expected to work full-time (35–40 hours/week). Working hours may be flexible to accommodate time differences with Nairobi.
Responsibilities may include:
- Conducting research on emerging digital technologies and their environmental impact, with a focus on AI policy, digital governance, and sustainability
- Providing analysis on the intersection of technology and environmental policy, identifying challenges and opportunities for sustainable digitalization
- Assisting with the identification and mapping of potential partners and organizations in the fields of digital sustainability, AI governance, and environmental data initiatives
- Supporting the preparation of policy briefs, concept notes, and research papers on digital transformation and environmental sustainability
- Providing secretariat support, including preparation of talking points, background materials, and other support related to UNEP’s digital policy work
Qualifications / Special Skills
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria at the time of application:
- Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or higher), ideally in:
-
- Public policy
- Environmental studies
- Technology policy
- Political science
- International relations
- Innovation
- Computer science
- Or a related field
- Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent)
- Have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, begin the internship within one year of graduation
Additional requirements:
- No professional work experience is required
- Must have good knowledge of standard software applications, including MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams
Languages
- Required: Fluency in oral and written English
- Desirable: Knowledge of French or other official UN languages is an asset
Additional Information
- The internship is designed to be full-time and in-person, but flexible arrangements (remote/part-time) may be considered
- Interns are not financially remunerated
- Travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution
- Interns may be required to obtain appropriate visa/work authorization; successful candidates should confirm this before accepting the offer
Deadline : Jul 30, 2025
