Intern - Climate Change Mitigation Unit

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda. Established to promote the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The organization coordinates the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP operates in multiple countries around the world, engaging with various stakeholders to address pressing environmental challenges.

Job Overview:
This internship is located in the Climate Change Mitigation Unit within the UNEP Climate Change Division. The intern will report to the Head of Unit and will be involved in supporting the team in exploring, developing, and applying AI and/or automation tools to enhance the design and preparation of GEF-funded climate change mitigation projects. The role is designed to provide practical experience in the application of technology to environmental issues, particularly in the context of climate change mitigation. Interns will have the opportunity to work on real-world projects that contribute to the global environmental agenda, while also gaining valuable skills in data management, project design, and stakeholder engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: supporting the drafting of CBIT Project Identification Forms (PIFs) and GEF-9 concept notes by developing or applying AI- or automation-based tools to identify country needs, gaps, and opportunities; utilizing technologies such as Power Platform, natural language processing (NLP), and machine learning (ML) to extract insights, automate tasks, or improve data management; developing data visualizations and dashboards to support project design and monitoring; researching and documenting emerging applications of AI and automation in climate transparency, mitigation, and project development; contributing to the preparation of technical briefs, presentations, and knowledge products; participating in brainstorming sessions to explore innovative uses of AI and automation in national GHG inventory systems, MRV frameworks, and climate data platforms; supporting the organization of virtual consultations, webinars, and workshops with stakeholders and experts; and assisting with documentation and follow-up of project development milestones.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) in artificial intelligence, data science, computer science, or environmental science; (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in artificial intelligence, data science, computer science, environmental science, or a related field with demonstrated experience or coursework in AI and automation tools applications. Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience, but a field of study closely related to the internship is required. Additionally, the ability to design surveys and polls is desirable, and applicants should have good knowledge of standard software applications, especially MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. The ability to design and implement digital tools using AI and/or automation platforms (e.g., MS Power Platform, Copilot AI Agents, or similar technologies) is also desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be a student in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in a Master’s or Ph.D. Programme, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. Programme. Proof of enrollment or completion must be provided with the application, and an official certificate will be required at a later stage.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not a requirement for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that demonstrates their understanding and application of AI and automation tools. This internship is particularly suited for individuals looking to gain practical experience in the field of climate change mitigation and technology application.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN.

Additional Notes:
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. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, processing, or training. The organization does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.