Legal and Policy Internship

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which is a leading global environmental authority established in 197

• UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices and to inspire, inform, and enable nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. UNEP operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. The organization focuses on various environmental issues, including climate change, sustainable development, and the management of hazardous chemicals and wastes.

Job Overview:
The Legal and Policy Internship is designed to provide support to the Governance Branch of the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm conventions. The intern will primarily assist in implementing the 2026-2027 work programme of these conventions, which aim to protect human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals and wastes. The intern will engage in various tasks such as legal research, drafting legal documents, and supporting the preparations for meetings of governing bodies. This role is crucial for ensuring that the conventions are effectively implemented and that international cooperation on environmental issues is strengthened. The intern will gain valuable experience in international law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">environmental law and policy, working closely with experienced professionals in the field.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's duties will include:

• Assisting in the implementation of the 2026-2027 work programme of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm conventions.
• Conducting legal research and analysis related to hazardous chemicals and wastes.
• Drafting letters, legal documents, presentations, and training materials.
• Supporting the preparations for meetings of governing and subsidiary bodies, including compliance committees and conferences of the Parties.
• Assisting in the work programme of compliance committees and specific submissions.
• Coordinating with other international bodies on trade and environmental legal matters.
• Supporting legal technical assistance and capacity-building activities.
• Communicating legal information and assisting in the development of national legal frameworks.
• Preparing publications and outreach materials. 1
• Performing any other tasks as assigned by the Programme Officer.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must be enrolled in or have completed a post-graduate school programme (master’s degree or equivalent, or higher). A background in international law, international environmental law, political science, international relations, or development studies is advantageous. While professional work experience is not required, having experience in a related field (such as publications or projects) is considered an asset. Applicants must be students in their final year of a Master’s or Ph.D. Programme or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. Programme.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to have a strong educational background, specifically in fields related to international law or environmental studies. Candidates should be pursuing or have completed a master’s degree or higher in relevant disciplines. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of international environmental agreements and the legal frameworks surrounding them.

Experience:
While the internship does not require prior professional work experience, candidates with relevant experience in international law, environmental policy, or related fields will be at an advantage. This could include internships, volunteer work, or academic projects that demonstrate a commitment to environmental issues and legal frameworks.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of French, which is another working language of the United Nations Secretariat, is also required. Additionally, proficiency in any other official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The internship is expected to last for six months, with a desired start date in September 202

• It is important to note that interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and all costs related to 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 Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. Furthermore, the United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.