Intern - Environmental Affairs

Intern - Environmental Affairs

UN Commissions

October 26, 2025November 14, 2025IncheonSouth Korea
UN Commissions About
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945. It is currently made up of 193 Member States. The mission and work of the United Nations are guided by the purposes and principles contained in its founding Charter. Due to the powers vested in its Charter and its unique international character, the United Nations can take action on the issues confronting humanity in the 21st century, such as peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, human rights, disarmament, terrorism, humanitarian and health emergencies, gender equality, governance, food production, and more. The UN also provides a forum for its members to express their views in the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, and other bodies and committees. By enabling dialogue between its members, and by hosting negotiations, the Organization has become a mechanism for governments to find areas of agreement and solve problems together.
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The internship opportunity is offered by the ESCAP Subregional Office for East and North-East Asia (SOENEA), which is part of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The organization focuses on promoting sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region, addressing issues such as environmental cooperation, economic growth, and social inclusion. Established to support member states in achieving their development goals, ESCAP operates in multiple countries across the Asia-Pacific region, working with various stakeholders to implement programs and initiatives that foster regional cooperation and integration.

Job Overview:
The internship position at the ESCAP Subregional Office for East and North-East Asia is designed for individuals who are eager to gain practical experience in environmental affairs, particularly in the context of North-East Asia. The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week, spanning a minimum of three months and up to six months. Interns will work under the supervision of a designated staff member and will primarily support the North-East Asian Subregional Programme for Environmental Cooperation (NEASPEC). The focus areas for this internship include air pollution and desertification and land degradation, which are critical environmental issues facing the region. Interns will have the opportunity to engage in various tasks that contribute to significant events and initiatives aimed at addressing these challenges, thereby gaining valuable insights into the workings of international organizations and environmental policy.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be involved in a variety of tasks that support the objectives of NEASPEC, particularly in relation to air pollution and desertification. Key responsibilities include:
  • Assisting in the preparation for major activities planned for 2026, such as the Carbon Neutrality Forum and the North-East Asia Clean Air Partnership (NEACAP) Policy Dialogue. This involves drafting meeting documents, background papers, presentations, and other communication materials.
  • Providing logistical and organizational support to ensure the smooth execution of events.
  • Conducting desk research and compiling relevant background information to support discussions and reports.
  • Supporting studies that examine the causes and impacts of desertification and land degradation in North-East Asia.
  • Assisting in organizing a side event at the COP17 of UNCCD to promote dialogue and knowledge sharing on desertification issues.
  • Preparing knowledge products and outreach materials to disseminate key findings and highlight ESCAP's role in addressing these environmental challenges.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required for the UN Internship Programme, applicants must have a field of study closely related to the internship they are applying for. Additionally, applicants should possess good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel, and MS Teams.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in or have completed a Master’s or Ph.D. Programme. Proof of enrollment or completion of the relevant academic program must be provided with the application. This educational background ensures that interns have the necessary theoretical knowledge to contribute effectively to the tasks assigned during the internship.

Experience:
While no prior professional work experience is required, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the internship's focus areas. This could include studies in environmental science, public policy, international relations, or related fields. The internship is designed to provide practical experience, making it suitable for individuals who are looking to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The internship is offered on a full-time basis and is unpaid. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of South Korea may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. Candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements with the organization prior to accepting the internship offer. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible to all qualified candidates.
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