Legal - Intern

Job Description

Work Location

• Nairobi

Expected Duration

• 6 months

Duties and Responsibilities
UNEP is the leading global environmental authority that:

• Sets the global environmental agenda
• Promotes coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system
• Serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment

The UNEP Law Division is the lead entity responsible for UNEP’s work on:

• Environmental law, governance, and related policy issues
• Issues pertaining to multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs)

To fulfill its mandate, the Law Division focuses on:

• Leading the international community in the progressive development of environmental law
• Supporting States in developing and implementing legal, institutional, and policy measures to address environmental challenges
• Facilitating cooperation and coordination among MEAs and between UNEP and those agreements
• Supporting MEA Secretariats in assisting Parties with treaty implementation
• Facilitating policy dialogue on international environmental law and governance

This internship is located in the Environmental Rule of Law Branch, UNEP Law Division, based in Nairobi. Under the supervision of the Principal Legal Officer (or delegate), the intern will work with experienced legal professionals on international legal frameworks, institutional law, UNEP procedures, and more.

The intern is expected to:

• Assist with the Law Division’s roles and functions, including supporting UNEP’s governing bodies
• Assist in preparing documents, background notes, and legal opinions on procedural matters
• Conduct in-depth research on substantive and procedural legal issues and prepare written summaries, briefing notes, and oral presentations
• Support organization and implementation of training events, meetings, and workshops, including:
• • Preparing agendas
  • Liaising with participants
  • Assisting with virtual setups
  • Compiling materials
  • Making presentations
  • Taking notes
• Contribute to finalizing key publications on UNEP’s legal framework and promotional materials for the Law Division’s work
• Undertake other tasks as assigned by the Principal Legal Officer or other legal staff

Qualifications/Special Skills

• Must be currently enrolled or recently graduated in law with a focus on public international law, the law of international organizations, or related fields
• No professional work experience is required
• Must meet one of the following:
• • Enrolled in or completed a Bachelor’s, Master of Law, or PhD programme in law
• Must attach proof of eligibility and be prepared to provide an official certificate at a later stage
• Proficiency in standard software applications is required, especially:
  • MS Word
  • MS PowerPoint
  • MS Teams

Languages

• Fluency in spoken and written English is required
• Knowledge of French is desirable

Intern Specific Information

• Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations
• Interns are responsible for their own:
  • Travel
  • Visas
  • Accommodation
  • Living expenses
• Non-citizen or non-resident interns must obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization
• Successful candidates should clarify visa requirements before accepting the offer

Deadline : Aug 19, 2025