The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is looking for a Methane Alert and Response System Intern to support its International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO), with Paris as the duty station. The internship lasts 6 months, the work location is listed as flexible, and applications close on 20 October 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full job opening and gathered every duty, requirement and condition in one place.
Key Facts About the Internship
📌 Position: Methane Alert and Response System Intern
🏛️ Organisation: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO)
📍 Duty Station: Paris, France
🏠 Work Location: Flexible
⏱️ Expected Duration: 6 months
🆔 Job Opening ID: 286379
🌱 Job Family: Environmental Affairs
🏷️ Category and Level: Affiliate Personnel, Internships, I-1
🪪 Recruitment Type: Intern
⏳ Deadline: 20 October 2026
About the United Nations Environment Programme
UNEP is the leading global environmental authority. It:
🌐 Sets the global environmental agenda
🧭 Promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system
📢 Serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment
What Is the International Methane Emissions Observatory?
The International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) is UNEP's data-driven, action-focused initiative that drives deep reductions in methane emissions. Methane is the second biggest contributor to global climate change and a key opportunity to reduce warming in the near term.
IMEO's mission is to provide the open, reliable and actionable methane data needed to cut emissions at the speed and scale necessary to achieve the Paris Agreement goals. To do this, IMEO is harnessing a methane data revolution under way thanks to rapidly advancing technology and momentum for methane action.
Where IMEO's Methane Data Comes From
IMEO collects, integrates and reconciles data from:
🛰️ Methane-detecting satellites
🔬 Scientific measurement studies
🏭 Rigorous industry reporting through the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0)
📚 National emissions inventories
These initiatives are game-changers for climate action. As a core implementing partner of the Global Methane Pledge, IMEO is shaping the future of methane mitigation.
The Role in Context: Supporting MARS
An intern is needed to support the functioning of UNEP's IMEO, in particular the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS). You will work under the supervision, guidance and mentoring of the Programme Management Officer.
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Daily MARS Notifications and Stakeholder Responses
📨 Preparing daily draft MARS notifications to governments and OGMP 2.0 companies, ensuring accuracy, clarity and timely transmission
🗂️ Tracking, organising and synthesising responses received from governments and companies, including summarising key findings from technical feedback forms
Data, Reporting and Impact Storytelling
📊 Compiling statistics, visuals and analytical inputs for presentations, internal reporting, stakeholder engagement materials and donor-oriented documentation
📈 Monitoring internal progress and milestones of MARS and contributing to compelling narratives that illustrate system growth, trends and impact, including inputs for the Communications team
Presentations, Meetings and Government Briefings
🖥️ Supporting the preparation of presentation materials, including slide decks for government briefings, and contributing to presenting selected elements where appropriate
📝 Attending internal and external meetings, taking structured notes and drafting concise and accurate summaries for the team
Documentation and Contact Management
📁 Maintaining and updating MARS folders and documentation, including MARS briefs, the Annual Report and other core materials, ensuring consistency
📇 Keeping the MARS contact list up to date, including government focal points, UNEP Permanent Representatives and other stakeholders
Events, Workshops and In-Person Meetings
🗓️ Assisting in the organisation of IMEO events, such as training and capacity-building workshops, including logistical support and preparation of materials
🤝 Assisting in the organisation of MARS in-person meetings, including logistical arrangements and the preparation of relevant pre-reading materials
Team Support Across the System
🧩 Providing support to team members on MARS-related requests and tasks, with exposure to different components of the system, from remote sensing outputs to engagement with governments and companies
🔄 Performing other duties as required by IMEO
Academic Eligibility: Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
🎓 (a) Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) in International Relations, Environmental Studies/Science, Public Policy or a related field
📘 (b) Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent) in International Relations, Environmental Studies/Science, Public Policy or a related field
Do You Need Work Experience?
Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship you are applying for is required.
Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master's or Ph.D. programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor's, Master's or Ph.D. programme.
Proof of Eligibility in Your Application
The application asks whether you meet any of the above criteria. If yes, you must indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage.
Skills and Background the Team Is Looking For
🌿 Academic background in International Relations, Environmental Studies/Science, Public Policy or a related field, with a demonstrated interest or academic background in environmental governance, climate policy, public policy and energy transitions
🔍 Strong analytical skills and interest in working with data, including basic data organisation and interpretation
✍️ Excellent drafting and communication abilities, with attention to detail and clarity
💻 Fully proficient computer skills, including use of web-based platforms and standard software applications (e.g. Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, internal databases)
⭐ Experience with Power BI is an asset
Language Requirements
🗣️ Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship
🇺🇳 English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat
➕ Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage
🗺️ The official languages of the United Nations Secretariat are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish
Costs, Travel and Visa Arrangements
💼 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
🛂 Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization
💬 Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer
No Fee at Any Stage
The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). The United Nations does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.
How to Apply
Apply online through the Apply Now button on the job opening page. In the application, state which academic requirement you meet and attach proof of it; an official certificate will be requested at a later stage.
If you are comparing this placement with other options, our guide to how internships abroad for students really work explains the main routes. You can also browse more internship opportunities on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Methane Alert and Response System Intern do?
The intern prepares daily draft MARS notifications to governments and OGMP 2.0 companies, tracks and synthesises their responses, compiles statistics and visuals, supports presentations and government briefings, takes meeting notes, keeps MARS documentation and contact lists up to date, and helps organise IMEO events and MARS in-person meetings.
Where is the internship based and how long does it last?
The duty station is Paris, France, and the work location is listed as flexible. The expected duration is 6 months.
Is the UNEP IMEO internship paid?
No. Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are covered by interns or their sponsoring institutions.
Who is eligible to apply?
You must be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate programme, or be in or have completed the final year of a bachelor's degree, in International Relations, Environmental Studies/Science, Public Policy or a related field. No professional work experience is required.
Which languages do I need?
Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage.
What do I need to attach to my application?
You need to indicate which academic requirement you meet and attach proof of it. An official certificate will be requested at a later stage.
Which skills give an advantage?
Strong analytical skills, interest in working with data, excellent drafting abilities and full computer proficiency are expected, and experience with Power BI is an asset.
Does the UN charge an application fee?
No. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process and does not concern itself with applicants' bank account information.
Deadline
⏳ 20 October 2026
Link
🔗 Job opening and application (Apply Now): https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/286379?language=en
