UNEP Legal Internship with the Secretariats of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is a leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes sustainable development through sound environmental practices. Established in 1972, UNEP works with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to inspire, inform, and enable nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. UNEP is committed to promoting environmental sustainability and addressing global environmental challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

Job Overview:
The UNEP Legal Internship is designed for individuals who are passionate about law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">environmental law and policy. The intern will work under the direct supervision of a Legal Officer in the Governance Branch of the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions. The primary focus of this internship is to 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, including legal research, drafting legal documents, and supporting the preparations for meetings of governing bodies. This role provides an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience in international environmental law and to contribute to significant global environmental agreements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the work of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions. Key responsibilities include:

• Assisting in the implementation of the 2026-2027 work programme by collecting information and conducting legal research and analysis.
• Drafting letters, legal documents, presentations, and training materials as required.
• Supporting the preparations for meetings of governing and subsidiary bodies, including compliance committees and the 2027 conferences of the Parties.
• Assisting in the work programme of compliance committees and specific submissions.
• Facilitating cooperation and coordination with other international bodies on trade and environmental legal matters.
• Addressing issues related to illegal traffic and enforcement of the conventions.
• Supporting legal technical assistance and capacity-building activities.
• Communicating legal information and assisting in the development of national legal frameworks.
• Contributing to the preparation of publications and outreach materials. 1
• Performing any other tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet the following qualifications:

• Enrollment in or completion of a post-graduate school programme (master’s degree or equivalent, or higher).
• A field of study closely related to the internship, such as international law, international environmental law, political science, international relations, or development studies, is preferred.
• While professional work experience is not required, any relevant experience, such as publications or projects related to the internship, is considered an advantage.
• 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 educational background required for this internship includes being enrolled in or having completed a post-graduate programme, such as a master’s degree or higher. Candidates should ideally have a focus on areas such as international law, international environmental law, political science, international relations, or development studies. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of international environmental agreements and the legal frameworks that govern them.

Experience:
While the internship does not require prior professional work experience, candidates with relevant experience in fields closely related to the internship, such as legal research, environmental policy, or international relations, will be viewed favorably. This could include academic projects, publications, or volunteer work that demonstrates a commitment to environmental issues and legal frameworks.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also required, as it is another working language of the UN. Additionally, proficiency in any other official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is expected to last for a duration of six months, with a desired start date in October 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 at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.