Intern - Behavioural Science

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the designated entity of the United Nations system for addressing environmental issues at both global and regional levels. Established to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus, UNEP plays a crucial role in keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The organization aims to deliver authoritative, integrated, and coherent science to inform action and guide policy processes that address interconnected environmental challenges. The UNEP Science Strategy 2026–2029 outlines a vision to strengthen and modernize UNEP’s scientific function in response to increasingly interconnected environmental crises and a rapidly evolving knowledge and data landscape. UNEP operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to environmental governance, policy, and action.

Job Overview:
The intern will work under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer in the Evidence and Synthesis section (ESS) of the Office of Science. The primary focus of this internship is to support the implementation of the Community of Practice (CoP) on Behavioural Science (BeSci) work plan. The intern will engage in various tasks that contribute to the understanding and application of behavioural science within UNEP’s initiatives. This role is designed for individuals who are passionate about environmental issues and are eager to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting. The intern will assist in drafting analyses, mapping existing projects, organizing meetings, and supporting outreach efforts related to BeSci, thereby gaining valuable experience in the intersection of science and policy.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Assisting in drafting analyses of the impact and potential benefits of Behavioural Science for UNEP’s work.
• Mapping existing projects and best practices on Behavioural Science within UNEP and relevant practices from UN sister organizations.
• Populating the TEAMS channel of the CoP on BeSci with reports, publications, initiatives, trainings, and events.
• Organizing meetings for the CoP on BeSci Steering Committee, including communications, preparation of presentations, and notetaking.
• Supporting the organization of events and webinars on behavioural science themes relevant to UNEP’s work.
• Drafting outreach and communication materials related to the activities of the CoP on BeSci.
• Carrying out other duties relevant to the intern’s educational background, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.

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); (b) Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree Programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent); (c) Have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must commence the internship within one year of graduation. A field of study in Behavioral Science, Business Psychology, or another related field is required. While professional work experience is not mandatory, a closely related field of study is essential. Applicants should also possess good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be students 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 graduation must be provided during the application process, and an official certificate will be required at a later stage.

Experience:
No professional work experience is required for this internship; however, applicants must have a relevant academic background that aligns with the internship's focus on Behavioural Science. This provides an opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain practical experience in a professional setting.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship, with English and French being the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding). Knowledge of French is considered an asset but is not mandatory.

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 the country where the internship is undertaken may need 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.