Intern - Urban Heat and Cooling

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the designated entity within the United Nations system that addresses environmental issues at both global and regional levels. UNEP's mission is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by continuously reviewing the global environment and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. Established in 1972, UNEP operates in over 100 countries and employs thousands of individuals dedicated to promoting sustainable development through sound environmental practices. The organization plays a crucial role in guiding and supporting countries in their efforts to achieve sustainable development goals, particularly in the context of climate change and environmental degradation.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is part of UNEP’s Climate Change Division Mitigation Branch, specifically within the Subnational Climate Action Unit based in Paris. The intern will contribute to the UN system-wide strategy on sustainable urban development and the implementation of the New Urban Agenda. This includes focusing on sustainable buildings and construction, sustainable urban food systems, sustainable energy and cooling, and integrated urban planning with nature. The internship is designed to support UNEP's work on extreme heat and sustainable cooling in cities, with two internship opportunities available: one starting in January 2027 and another in July 202

• The intern will work under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer, Beat the Heat, and will be involved in various projects aimed at mitigating urban heat and promoting sustainable cooling solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including supporting the day-to-day implementation of the Beat the Heat initiative, which involves tracking participating cities and their cooling commitments, as well as following up on technical assistance requests. The intern will also assist in the implementation of the Nature for Cooling Challenge (NCC) in countries such as Brazil, Côte d'Ivoire, and Cambodia, including supporting the selection process for grant winners and coordinating activities in Côte d'Ivoire. Additional duties include conducting research and drafting briefs, case studies, and background notes on urban heat and cooling methods, contributing to the development of knowledge products and tools, organizing events and workshops, and supporting communications and outreach efforts. The intern will also assist in resource mobilization by preparing project proposals and concept notes, taking meeting notes, and tracking follow-up actions as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be in their final year of a first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in a Master’s or Ph.D. program, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. program in a relevant field such as urban planning, environmental studies, climate change, or a related discipline. Professional work experience is not required for participation in the internship program, making it an excellent opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain practical experience in the field.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being in the final stages of a bachelor's degree or being enrolled in a master's or Ph.D. program in fields related to urban planning, environmental studies, climate change, or similar areas. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of urban heat and cooling challenges and for contributing effectively to the projects undertaken by UNEP.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should possess a strong academic background in relevant fields. This internship is particularly suited for individuals who are eager to learn and gain hands-on experience in environmental policy and sustainable urban 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 French is highly desirable, as it is also a working language within the organization. Proficiency in both languages will enhance the intern's ability to communicate effectively in a multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
Interns at UNEP are not financially remunerated, meaning that they will not receive a salary for their work. All costs and arrangements related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Additionally, interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of France 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. Furthermore, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.