IMEO Methane Alert and Response System Intern

Job Description

Work Location
This internship is preferably Paris-based and full-time, with the possibility of remote work and adjustments based on the request of the selected candidate.

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 the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.

The UN Environment Programme’s International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) is a data-driven, action-focused initiative that drives deep reductions in methane emissions – the second biggest contributor to global climate change and a key opportunity to reduce warming in the near-term. IMEO’s mission is to provide the open, reliable, and actionable methane data needed to cut emissions at the speed and scale necessary to achieve the Paris Agreement goals.

To do this, IMEO is harnessing a methane data revolution under way thanks to rapidly advancing technology and momentum for methane action. IMEO collects, integrates, and reconciles data from methane-detecting satellites, scientific measurement studies, rigorous industry reporting through the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0), and national emissions inventories. These initiatives are game-changers for climate action – and as a core implementing partner of the Global Methane Pledge, IMEO is shaping the future of methane mitigation.

An intern is needed to support the functioning of UNEP’s IMEO, in particular the Methane Alert and Response System. Under the supervision, guidance and mentoring of the Programme Management Officer, the Intern will support the functioning of UNEP’s IMEO and MARS by:

• Preparing daily draft MARS notifications to governments and OGMP 2.0 companies, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and timely transmission.
• Tracking, organising and synthesising responses received from governments and companies, including summarising key findings from technical feedback forms.
• Compiling statistics, visuals and analytical inputs for presentations, internal reporting, stakeholder engagement materials, and donor-oriented documentation.
• Monitoring internal progress and milestones of MARS and contributing to the preparation of compelling narratives that illustrate system growth, trends, and impact, including inputs for the Communications team.
• Supporting the preparation of presentation materials, including slide decks for government briefings, and contributing to presenting selected elements where appropriate.
• Attending internal and external meetings, taking structured notes and drafting concise and accurate summaries for the team.
• Maintaining and updating MARS folders and documentation, including MARS briefs, the Annual Report and other core materials, ensuring consistency.
• Keeping the MARS contact list up to date, including government focal points, UNEP Permanent Representatives and other stakeholders.
• Assisting in the organisation of IMEO events, such as training and capacity-building workshops, including logistical support and preparation of materials.
• Assisting in the organisation of MARS in-person meetings, including logistical arrangements and the preparation of relevant pre-reading materials.
• Providing support to team members on MARS-related requests and tasks, with exposure to different components of the system, from remote sensing outputs to engagement with governments and companies.
• Performing other duties as required by IMEO.

Qualifications/special skills
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

1. Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) in International Relations, Environmental Studies/Science, Public Policy, or a related field.
2. Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in International Relations, Environmental Studies/Science, Public Policy, or a related field.

Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required. Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. Programme.

Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage.

Academic background in International Relations, Environmental Studies/Science, Public Policy, or a related field, with a demonstrated interest or academic background in environmental governance, climate policy, public policy, energy transitions.

Strong analytical skills and interest in working with data, including basic data organisation and interpretation.

Excellent drafting and communication abilities, with attention to detail and clarity.

Fully proficient computer skills, including use of web-based platforms and standard software applications (e.g. Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, internal databases); experience with Power BI is an asset.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Information

Outputs/Work Assignments:

• High-quality draft MARS notifications are prepared on a daily basis, ensuring timely transmission of accurate and clearly communicated satellite detections to governments and OGMP 2.0 companies.
• A complete and up-to-date record of stakeholder responses to MARS notifications is maintained, including concise summaries of technical feedback and mitigation follow-up actions.
• Accurate statistical inputs, visuals and datasets are regularly produced and provided for presentations, donor reports, internal planning, and stakeholder engagement materials.
• Clear and compelling narrative inputs are developed to highlight MARS progress, milestones and system impact, supporting internal reporting and IMEO communications products.
• MARS documentation is consistently maintained, including updated MARS briefs, Annual Report inputs, meeting summaries, and well-organised internal folders.
• Well-structured meeting notes and summaries are produced for internal and external meetings, ensuring timely circulation of key points, decisions and action items.
• Updated and accurate stakeholder contact lists are maintained, including MARS focal points, UNEP Permanent Representatives and relevant partners.
• Logistical and substantive support is provided for MARS meetings, IMEO training workshops and other events, including preparation of pre-reading materials and coordination with participants.
• Effective support to the MARS team is provided across various workstreams (remote sensing, communications, stakeholder engagement), contributing to smooth system operations and timely delivery of team outputs.
• Other assigned tasks are completed as requested, contributing to the overall efficiency and functioning of IMEO.

Intern Specific text
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

Deadline: 17 Dec 2025