Intern for Capacity-Building and Development

Intern for Capacity-Building and Development

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

February 15, 2026February 26, 2026MontrealCanada
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes 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 and was established in 197
  • It operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices. UNEP plays a critical role in coordinating responses to environmental challenges and fostering international cooperation on environmental issues.

Job Overview:
The intern for Capacity-Building and Development will work under the supervision of the Head of the Capacity-Building and Knowledge Management Unit and the Programme Management Officer for Capacity-Building and Development. The primary function of this position is to support the review of progress in implementing the long-term strategic framework for capacity-building and development. This includes analyzing data from national reports submitted by Parties, identifying technological and institutional capability gaps, and assisting in the preparation of progress reports that summarize key findings and recommendations. The intern will also contribute to the development of social media content and website materials related to the strategic framework, ensuring that the information is accessible and engaging for a diverse audience. This role is crucial for enhancing the understanding of capacity-building needs and facilitating effective communication of findings to stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Review, collate, and analyze data from the seventh national reports submitted by Parties and responses to surveys administered by the Secretariat.
  • Extract data regarding technological, technical, and institutional capability gaps for a parallel analysis on capacity needs.
  • Assist in preparing the progress report on the implementation of the long-term strategic framework, summarizing key findings, challenges, insights, conclusions, and recommendations for consideration by SBI7 and COP1
  • Contribute to the development of social media posts and website content related to the long-term strategic framework.
  • Assist in other duties as may be requested by supervisors. Interns are expected to work five days a week (35 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (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 level or equivalent); or (c) Have graduated with a university degree. Candidates must be computer literate in standard software applications and demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, along with a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. They should also have the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, showing tolerance and understanding of differing opinions.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in or completion of a graduate program or the final year of a bachelor’s degree program. Candidates who have recently graduated with a university degree are also eligible to apply. A strong academic foundation in environmental studies, international relations, or a related field is preferred, as it aligns with the responsibilities of the position.

Experience:
Experience in undertaking research and collecting and analyzing qualitative information is required for this position. Candidates should have experience with basic data analysis and synthesis methods, including the ability to identify trends, patterns, and gaps across datasets. Additionally, experience in translating complex information into well-structured findings, insights, and preliminary conclusions is essential. Knowledge of capacity-building and development, biodiversity-related policy processes, and multilateral environmental agreements is desirable but not mandatory.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French and Spanish is considered desirable, as it may enhance communication and collaboration within the diverse environment of the United Nations. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding), while knowledge is rated as 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. All costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Canada may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training.
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