Intern - Civil Society and Youth Engagement Programme Support

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. Established to serve as an authoritative advocate for the global environment, UNEP engages with various stakeholders, including Member States and non-state actors, to address pressing environmental issues. The organization operates globally, with a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices and to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment. UNEP's Governance Affairs office plays a crucial role in guiding stakeholders and ensuring effective participation in environmental governance.

Job Overview:
The intern will be located in the Civil Society Unit of the Governance Affairs Office within UNEP, Nairobi. This position is designed for energetic and motivated individuals who are interested in contributing to the engagement of Major Groups and Stakeholders, particularly focusing on the Children and Youth Major Group and Indigenous Peoples. The intern will support the Office in its role as UNEP’s liaison with these groups, assisting in planning and organizing key events related to the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) and ensuring their effective participation in UNEP activities. The internship is expected to last for a period of 6 months, starting in September or October 2026, with the possibility of extension. The intern will be involved in various tasks that contribute to the overall mission of UNEP, particularly in enhancing youth participation in environmental processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: assisting in the planning and organization of key events for Major Groups and Stakeholders, such as the Regional Consultative Meetings and the Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum; coordinating the implementation of UNEA resolution 7/6 on enhancing youth participation; supporting logistical and technical arrangements for meetings; participating in meetings and assisting with agenda development, minute-taking, and summarizing discussions; facilitating engagement of Major Groups in meetings of the Committee of Permanent Representatives; organizing follow-up activities, workshops, webinars, and conferences; and undertaking other tasks as assigned by the Programme Officer.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) in fields such as environmental studies, international relations, social and political sciences, sustainable development, law, philosophy, political science, or cultural and social studies. Additionally, applicants must be enrolled in a graduate school program or in the final academic year of a first university degree program, or have graduated with a university degree. While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is essential. Proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, is also required. The ability to draft news articles and social media posts, as well as design surveys and polls, is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a first-level degree in relevant fields such as environmental studies, international relations, or social sciences. Candidates must either be enrolled in a graduate program or be in their final year of undergraduate studies. Alternatively, candidates who have already graduated with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. degree are also eligible to apply. Proof of enrollment or graduation will be required during the application process.

Experience:
While applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience, it is important that their field of study is closely related to the internship they are applying for. This means that candidates should ideally have some academic background or relevant coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship, particularly in areas related to environmental governance, civil society engagement, or youth participation.

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

Additional Notes:
Interns at UNEP are not financially remunerated, 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 Kenya may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. Additionally, it is emphasized that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.