Intern: Environment/ Water Management/ International Law/ International Relations

Job Description

Internship – Water Unit, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)

• Work Location: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Palais des Nations, Geneva
• Expected Duration: 16 June to 12 December 2025
• Duties and Responsibilities:

  • The internship is located in the Water Unit of the Transboundary Cooperation Section, Environment Division, UNECE, Geneva, Switzerland.

  • UNECE’s Environment Division supports sustainable development in line with the 2030 Agenda by promoting cooperation among member States and safeguarding the environment and human health.

  • Under the supervision of the Environmental Affairs Officer, the intern will support the secretariat of the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention) and the Protocol on Water and Health.

Key responsibilities include:

• • Supporting the preparation and organization of meetings, such as:
    • Joint meeting of the Working Group on Integrated Water Resources Management and Working Group on Monitoring and Assessment (Geneva, 13–15 October 2025)
    • 7th session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health (Budapest, 5–7 November 2025)
  • Assisting with implementation of country projects and activities under the Convention and Protocol, including:
    • Globalization of the Water Convention
    • Work related to SDG indicator 6.5.2
    • Activities of the Transboundary Water Cooperation Coalition
    • Other tasks as required
  • Preparing communication materials (e.g., videos, visuals, articles, publications)
  • Supporting daily secretariat functions including:
    • Drafting documents
    • Updating websites
    • Conducting desk research
    • Corresponding with experts and partners
    • Project reporting
• Competencies:
  • Communication: Clear and effective writing/speaking; receptive to feedback; communicates appropriately and transparently.
  • Teamwork: Collaborative; values input and expertise of others; prioritizes team over self; takes joint responsibility for group outcomes.
  • Planning and Organizing: Sets clear goals; adjusts priorities as needed; allocates time effectively; anticipates and manages risks; uses time efficiently.
• Qualifications/Special Skills:
  • Must meet one of the following:
    • Be enrolled in or have completed a graduate degree (Master’s level or higher)
    • Be in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree program
  • Computer literacy in standard software applications is required
  • Relevant fields of study: environment, water management, development, international law, international relations, or equivalent
  • Strong interest in the UN’s mission and values
  • Ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and in cross-cultural settings
  • Applicants from under-represented or unrepresented countries in the UN are encouraged to apply
  • No professional experience is required
• Languages:
  • Fluency in English is required
  • Working knowledge of French, Russian, Spanish, or Arabic is an asset
• Additional Information:
  • Internship duration: 6 months, from 16 June to 12 December 2025
  • Required application materials: Online application with Cover Note and Personal History Profile
    • Cover Note must include:
      • Degree title and graduation date (or expected graduation date)
      • IT skills and software proficiency
      • Top three areas of interest
      • Explanation of qualifications for the internship
      • Motivation for joining the UN Internship Programme
      • Availability during the internship period
  • Incomplete applications will not be reviewed
  • This internship falls under Administrative Instruction ST/AI 2020/1
  • Interns are not considered UN staff and receive no financial remuneration
  • Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses
  • Interns must provide:
    • Proof of valid medical insurance
    • A medical certificate of good health
  • Restrictions:
    • Interns cannot apply for or be appointed to a UN position for 6 months after their internship
    • Children or siblings of UN staff members are not eligible
    • Other family members may apply but must not work in the same unit or report to the related staff member
  • All applicants must meet Article 101, paragraph 3, of the UN Charter and UN hiring standards
• Intern-Specific Terms:
  • Interns are unpaid
  • Non-residents may need visas or work authorization
  • Selected candidates should confirm visa requirements before accepting the offer

Deadline: May 23, 2025