Internship: Environment Affairs

Job Description

Job Opening ID: 270501
Job Network : -
Job Family : Environmental Affairs
Category and Level : Internship, I-1
Duty Station : GENEVA
Department/Office : United Nations Environment Programme
Date Posted : Jan 14, 2026
Deadline : Jan 30, 2026

Work Location: Geneva

Expected duration: 6 months

Desired start date: 16 March 2026

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 Environment Management Group (EMG) is a United Nations (UN) System-wide coordination body on environment and human settlements established in 2001 pursuant to the General Assembly resolution 53/242 in July 1999. The Group is supported by a secretariat provided by UNEP, located in Geneva, Switzerland. The EMG membership consists of the specialized agencies, programmes and organs of the United Nations including the secretariats of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements.

The EMG identifies issues on the international environmental agenda that warrant cooperation, and finds ways of engaging its collective capacity in coherent management responses to those issues. In accordance with its Terms of Reference, the EMG works through technical meetings, Issue Management Groups, Consultative Processes and Task Teams.

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer, the intern will assist the EMG Secretariat in its work to enhance collaboration in the UN system in the field of environment. The intern will be tasked to support the Secretariat in the following areas:

1. Interagency collaboration on environmental topics including addressing biodiversity loss, pollution, urbanisation and the environment, gender and the environment, human rights and the environment;
2. EMG Nexus Dialogues;
3. Internal environmental and social sustainability in the UN System;
4. The System-Wide Framework of Strategies on the Environment;
5. Communications.

Qualifications/special skills

Applicants must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

1. Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
2. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); or
3. Have graduated with a university degree.

Specific to this Internship, candidates with a postgraduate qualification in environmental studies and/or social science with a genuine interest in and understanding of environmental issues, digital media strategies and the work of the United Nations will be preferred.

Furthermore, successful candidates:

• Are computer literate in standard software applications;
• Have demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter.

No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position fluency in oral and written English is required.

Additional Information Assessment

Potential candidates will be contacted by hiring manager directly for further consideration. Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Your application for this internship must include:

1. A Completed application (Personal History Profile) and Cover Note, through the UN careers Portal. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The Cover Note must include:
   • Title of the degree you are currently pursuing
   • Graduation date
   • IT skills and programmes you are proficient in
   • Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship
   • Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme, ensure to include all past work experience (if any).
2. Proof of enrollment from current University (if not graduated).
3. A copy of degree certificate (if you have already graduated).

Due to a high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted.

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: January 30, 2026