Work Location

Geneva

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of sustainable development, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The UNEP Regional Office for Europe covers the pan-European region, which extends from the Atlantic to the Pacific, to the Central Asian plains and the Mediterranean Sea to the Arctic Ocean and includes 56 countries. In the pan-European region, environmental challenges range from managing cross-border environmental resources such as the Caspian Sea, boosting resource efficiency in cities, and responding to the impacts of climate change in the Carpathian Mountains. We address these and other challenges through our work in seven priority work areas: climate change, disasters and conflicts, ecosystems management, environmental governance, chemicals and waste, resource efficiency, and environment under review. We serve as a neutral authority on the environment in Europe. With our global reach, we also work to ensure policy coherence to support the efficient achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. In practice, this means that we advise and guide countries, the private sector and civil society on their paths to a green and inclusive economy, such as by fostering renewable energy technologies or promoting sustainable transport for example, and by sharing experiences and best practices on a range of topics such as sustainable agriculture and sustainable consumption and production. This internship offers an opportunity to work in the following key areas of environmental and climate change policy: Green Economy: Supporting transitions to inclusive and sustainable economies. Air Quality and Pollution Control: Addressing air pollution and promoting cleaner technologies. Sustainable Development and Circular Economy: Promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns. Ecosystems and Biodiversity Loss: Engaging in biodiversity conservation initiatives. Zero-Emission Buildings and Cities: Supporting efforts towards efficient, resilient, and nature-positive cities. Urban Food Systems: Reducing food waste and promoting sustainable urban food systems. The intern will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator. Duties will include: • Conducting research and analysis on key environmental topics; • Assisting with policy guidance, preparation of reports, and drafting technical documents; • Facilitating the exchange of best practices and lessons learned through webinars, workshops, and other partnership-building activities; • Engaging with partners at various levels (national, regional, and city); • Supporting the coordination of specific projects related to zero-waste, circular economy, and net-zero goals in selected countries and cities.

Qualifications/special skills

Applicants must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements: a. Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); b. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); c. Have graduated with a university degree. Preferred area of study for this internship: Environmental Law, International Law, Political Science, International Relations.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this internship. Knowledge of Spanish is an advantage.

Additional Information

Not available.

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.