Washington, DC – hybrid.

4-6 months. Desired start date 18 August 2025.

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 North America Office helps to implement the UN Environment Programme”s Regional programs in North America by initiating, coordinating and catalyzing regional and sub-regional cooperation and action in response to environmental, challenges, opportunities and emergencies. This position is located in the North America Office in Washington D.C., USA. The UNEP North America Office Environmental Affairs internship is for 4-6 months (6 months preferred). The Internship is unpaid and full-time. The intern will work five days per week. Under the direct supervision of the Program Management Officer, the intern will support the office in its work to engage North American governments and other stakeholders in UNEP’s work to address the triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution (especially plastic pollution). More specifically, the intern will: • Support the North America Office by undertaking research, analysis and drafting of background notes and briefing notes or reviewing regional reports to be submitted to headquarters. • Support the implementation of UNEP’s Programme of Work and Medium-Term Strategy in the region, including preparations for key environmental negotiations, including on issues such as plastics pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss • Monitor relevant political developments within the region of interest to UNEP and conduct research to support the development of policy briefs as well as support the preparation of communications pieces for outreach and advocacy purposes. • Attend meetings, presentations, and hearings; conduct research; and compile, summarize, and present relevant information to supervisor and other colleagues. • Draft short reports, memos, briefs, correspondence, and other written materials in support of the areas of work. • Assist in the organization of workshops, internal and external meetings and outreach events, developing necessary background materials, and report writing. • Support outreach to partners, governments, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and other relevant stakeholders. • Participate in group discussions and contribute insights, ideas, and feedback on topics and issues. • Provide additional support as needed.

Applicants must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements: (a) Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or, (b) Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor”s level or equivalent). Be computer literate in standard software applications. 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.

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.

Not available.

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.

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.