Do you want to help mainstream life cycle thinking into the world's highest impact industries? The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is offering a six month internship with its Life Cycle Initiative in Paris, working on sustainable consumption and production across buildings, mining and textiles supply chains.
About UNEP
UNEP is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. This internship sits within the Life Cycle Initiative unit of the Resources and Markets Branch, Industry and Economy Division. The Life Cycle Initiative is a public private, multi stakeholder partnership advancing the understanding of life cycle thinking among decision makers and building access to environmental, social and economic life cycle knowledge such as LCA data, methods and indicators. It is hosted by UN Environment, Industry and Economy Division, in Paris.
What You'll Do
The intern works under the direct supervision of the Head of the Life Cycle Initiative, in coordination with Programme Officers, on Life Cycle Thinking and Sustainable Consumption and Production across high impact sectors: Buildings and Construction, Mining and Extractives, and Textiles. The team is recruiting two interns, one in person and one remote.
🌍 Support activities that encourage mainstreaming of life cycle thinking in high impact sectors.
🔎 Assist with research, data collection and analysis on life cycle thinking, hotspot analysis and related areas.
🤝 Assist with research and coordination for outreach to existing and new partners and members.
🗂️ Provide day to day support for project activities, including drafting documents, minutes and presentations, and maintaining the members and sponsors list.
📱 Contribute to communications activities, including social media, online presentation of materials and website updates.
🎪 Assist with the logistical preparation of meetings, events and webinars, and cross unit collaboration, plus other tasks as requested.
Who Can Apply
🎓 Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher).
📘 Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent).
🕐 Have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, commence within one year of graduation.
An academic background at least at bachelor's level in environmental science, political science, social science, international studies, public administration, economics, engineering, earth sciences or a related field is required. A field of study closely related to the internship is required, and proof of eligibility must be provided.
Languages
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of other languages is an advantage.
The Details
📍 Location: Paris, France, and remote (one in person and one remote position).
🗓️ Duration: 6 months.
💼 Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions.
How to Apply
Apply through the UN Careers online system, indicating which eligibility criterion you meet and attaching proof.
Deadline
📅 06 August 2026
