Intern

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 works with various stakeholders, including international governments, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector, to develop and implement policies that foster sustainable practices. UNEP's Industry and Economy Division focuses on creating cleaner and safer practices, incorporating environmental costs, and reducing pollution and risks to both humans and the environment. The organization is committed to the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production (10YFP), which aims to accelerate the shift towards sustainable consumption and production globally, with participation from 193 United Nations Member States. UNEP operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to environmental sustainability and advocacy.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at UNEP is designed for individuals who are passionate about environmental issues and sustainable development. Interns will work under the direct supervision of the Associate Programme Management Officer and will primarily support the coordination desk of the Consumer Information Programme. This role involves engaging with various workstreams, including the Retail4Impact initiative, Digitalization for Circular Economy (D4CE), and the EcoAdvance project. Interns will contribute to the development and implementation of policies and practices that promote sustainable consumption and production. The internship is full-time, requiring a commitment of 35 hours per week, and can be conducted either at the UNEP office in Paris or remotely, depending on the intern's preference and availability. The position is unpaid, and interns are expected to rely on their own IT equipment and internet connection if working remotely. The internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a global organization and contribute to meaningful environmental initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the objectives of the Consumer Information Area of Excellence. These tasks include:

• Supporting the implementation of projects and initiatives within the Consumer Information Area, preparing documents, and liaising with contacts from partner organizations.
• Assisting with research and data collection on consumer information, ecolabelling, digital product passports, and sustainability information.
• Supporting the day-to-day activities of the coordination desk of the Consumer Information Programme on Sustainable Consumption and Production (CI-SCP).
• Assisting in organizing and coordinating events related to the programme.
• Supporting outreach activities to promote knowledge products, including webinars and other events.
• Assisting with communication efforts, including presentations, articles, social media posts, and awareness-raising materials.
• Supporting the development and regular updates of website content.
• Contributing to the bimonthly consumer information newsletter.
• Mapping relevant organizations aligned with the programme’s vision and maintaining a dynamic database of priority stakeholders. 1
• Supporting other tasks as directed by the supervising staff member, including contributing to SDG 12.1 indicator progress reporting and activities within the Skills & Lifestyle Area of Excellence, particularly focusing on the Sustainable Tourism programme.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements at the time of application: (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). Preferred areas of study include environmental studies, sustainable development, communications, media studies, international relations, journalism, information and knowledge management, or any related field. No prior working experience is required, but candidates should possess skills and knowledge that will benefit the United Nations during their internship. Good research skills and proficiency in standard software applications such as Excel are essential. Interest in communications and the ability to produce and design basic infographics, along with proficiency in tools like PowerPoint and Canva, are also important.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a degree in a relevant field such as environmental studies, sustainable development, communications, or related disciplines. They must provide proof of enrollment in their current university or a copy of their degree certificate if they have already graduated. This educational background is crucial as it aligns with the objectives of the internship and the work being done at UNEP.

Experience:
No prior work experience is required for this internship position. However, candidates should demonstrate relevant training, education, or skills that would contribute to the work of the United Nations. This could include coursework, volunteer experiences, or other activities that showcase the candidate's commitment to environmental issues and sustainable development.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language, such as Spanish or Chinese, is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's application. The ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken forms is essential for the role.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 35 hours per week. Interns are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and living expenses. The internship duration is flexible, with options for either July to December 2026 or January to June 2027, depending on the candidate's availability. Interns must submit a complete Personal History Profile and Cover Note through the UN careers portal, including their interest in the internship, relevant skills, and preferred workstream. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.