Intern

Intern

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

February 23, 2026March 7, 2026OsakaJapan
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, working with various stakeholders to address pressing environmental challenges. Established in 1972, UNEP has grown to become a pivotal organization in the field of environmental governance, with a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of staff members, collaborating with governments, civil society, and the private sector to foster environmental sustainability and resilience against climate change. UNEP's International Environmental Technology Centre (IETC) focuses on providing technical and advisory support to developing countries, particularly in the area of waste management, promoting innovative solutions and sustainable practices.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is located within the Industry and Economy Division of UNEP, specifically at the UNEP International Environmental Technology Centre (IETC) in Nairobi. The intern will be involved in various projects aimed at enhancing sustainable waste management practices in developing countries. The role requires a proactive approach to research and analysis, focusing on waste-related issues, policies, and innovative technologies. The intern will work under the supervision of an IETC Officer, contributing to the Centre's mission of promoting environmentally sound technologies and practices. This internship is designed to provide valuable hands-on experience in the field of environmental management, particularly in waste management, while also supporting the intern's educational and professional development. The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of five days per week, totaling 35 hours. Interns will gain insights into the workings of a major international organization and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful environmental initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the objectives of the UNEP IETC. Key responsibilities include:
  • Conducting research and summarizing scientific information on waste-related issues, including social and economic aspects of waste management.
  • Analyzing national waste management policies from environmental perspectives, including circular economy and climate change linkages.
  • Drafting analyses of policies and reports based on scientific research findings.
  • Organizing and supporting meetings, including notetaking and assisting with participant travel arrangements.
  • Mapping business opportunities and technology-based innovations in waste management and recycling.
  • Assisting in drafting project documents and developing technical documentation related to waste management.
  • Contributing to the knowledge-sharing platform on waste management.
  • Supporting the collection and visualization of waste management data.
  • Drafting outreach materials for educational purposes. 1
  • Assisting in the development of networks among waste management institutions. 1
  • Supporting assessment processes such as global and regional waste management outlooks. 1
  • Carrying out other duties relevant to the intern's educational background as assigned by the supervisor.

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). Preferred areas of study include Science, Environmental Management, Policymaking, Climate Change, Resource Studies, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Information Technology, or Knowledge Management. Additionally, applicants should possess good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s, or Ph.D. program, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. program within the past year. Proof of enrollment from the current university is required for applicants who have not yet graduated. This ensures that the internship aligns with the educational goals of the candidates and provides relevant experience in their field of study.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have a strong academic background in a relevant field of study. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in environmental management, particularly in waste management and sustainability. The focus is on providing an opportunity for learning and professional development rather than requiring prior work experience.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN language, such as French, is desirable and can enhance the candidate's application, providing additional value in a multilingual work environment.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. The duration of the internship is a minimum of two months and a maximum of six months, with the possibility of extension based on the needs of the organization. Interns are expected to work full-time, five days a week, totaling 35 hours. Candidates who are not citizens or permanent residents of Kenya may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and candidates should be cautious of any fraudulent requests for personal information or payments.
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