The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is offering 6-month, unpaid, full-time internships in its Buildings and Cooling Unit in Paris, France, supporting the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC) and its Intergovernmental Council for Buildings and Climate (ICBC), Hubs and Action Groups. Start dates are expected in January 2027 and July 2027, and applications close on 22 October 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full job opening, and every duty, requirement and condition is set out below.
Job Opening 286385 at a Glance
📌 Position: GlobalABC Intern, ICBC and Hubs & Action Groups
🆔 Job Opening ID: 286385
🏛️ Department/Office: United Nations Environment Programme
📍 Duty station: Paris
🗺️ Work location: Paris, France
🗂️ Job family: ENV
🏷️ Category and level: Affiliate Personnel, Internships, I-1
🪪 Recruitment type: Intern
⏱️ Expected duration: 6 months
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 Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction?
Since 2015, UNEP has hosted the Secretariat of the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC), which was launched during the first Buildings Day at COP21. The GlobalABC Secretariat is part of UNEP's Buildings and Cooling Unit, Sectoral Transition Section, Mitigation Branch, Climate Change Division.
With over 430 members, including 75 national governments, the GlobalABC is the leading global platform for governments, the private sector, civil society, research institutions and intergovernmental organizations committed to a common vision: a zero-emission, efficient and resilient buildings and construction sector.
A Global Advocate and Catalyst to Action
GlobalABC advocates for market transformation and focuses on catalysing action towards a zero-emission, efficient and resilient built environment. It:
📣 Promotes the sector's importance for global climate action through international high-level events, including climate COPs and the Buildings and Cooling Pavilion
🧱 Coordinates implementation work through its Hubs and Action Groups, the Intergovernmental Council for Buildings and Climate (ICBC) and the Near-Zero Emission and Resilient Buildings Priority Action Scheme (NZERB PAS)
Setting Targets and Tracking Progress
GlobalABC is a trusted platform to set targets and track progress:
📘 It tracks progress in its annual Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction
📊 It runs the Global Building Climate Tracker, an index tracking progress towards decarbonisation of the sector
🧭 It co-leads the Human Settlements Pathway under the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action, which outlines the 2030 and 2050 decarbonisation goals
Supporting Countries and the Private Sector
🗺️ GlobalABC supports countries in setting priorities and measures based on their national circumstances: it develops policy guidance and global and regional buildings and construction roadmaps outlining aspirational targets, timelines and key actions for essential policies and technologies
🏙️ It supports the development and implementation of national and city-level buildings and construction roadmaps and enhanced ambition in NDCs
💼 It supports the private sector transition with priorities and strategies toward business models focused on decarbonising and increasing the resilience of buildings
Where the Internships Sit Inside UNEP
The internship positions are in UNEP's Buildings and Cooling Unit (Buildings and Construction team), Sectoral Transition Section, Mitigation Branch, Climate Change Division. The duty station is Paris, France.
────────────────────────────────────────
🌍 All opportunities in France →
────────────────────────────────────────
Start Dates, Number of Interns and Duration
Two internship positions are open, and the duration of the internship is 6 months:
🗓️ One internship is expected to start in January 2027 (2 interns)
🗓️ One internship is expected to start in July 2027 (2 interns)
Full-Time Schedule and Supervision
💼 The internship is unpaid and full-time
⏰ Interns work five days per week (37.5 hours)
👤 Interns work under the overall supervision of the Chief of Sectoral Transition Section
🧑💼 Interns work under the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer at the Buildings and Cooling Unit
Visas and Travel to Paris
✈️ Candidates are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging any travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed
What the Intern Will Do
Selected interns will assist the Buildings and Construction team in the coordination and implementation of the activities to promote sustainable buildings and construction, including through the GlobalABC. Duties may include, but are not limited to the tasks below. Under the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer, the intern is responsible for these tasks.
Online Events and Webinars
💻 Support the preparation of online events and webinars, including outreach and communications, operations and logistics
Annual Assembly and Major GlobalABC Events
🏛️ Support the preparation of the 2027 GlobalABC Annual Assembly and other major GlobalABC events and convenings
🌍 Support the preparation of GlobalABC activities at COP32 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (8–19 November 2027)
Hubs, Action Groups and the ICBC
🤝 Support the coordination of GlobalABC Hubs' and Action Groups' activities, as well as activities related to the Intergovernmental Council for Buildings and Climate (ICBC)
Member Outreach and Databases
📇 Support GlobalABC member outreach, including maintaining and updating member databases and supporting membership-related activities
Communication Materials and Awareness Raising
📰 Support the development of communication materials such as presentations, articles, newsletters, website and Knowledge Platform content, and general awareness raising
Meeting Notes and Summaries
📝 Prepare meeting notes and outcome-based summaries for events, as requested
Support to the Wider Unit and Team Meetings
🧩 Assist other team members in various activities related to the overall performance of the Buildings and Cooling Unit's buildings and construction activities
🙋 Participate in team meetings and work proactively in performing tasks
Who Can Apply: Education Requirements
Applicants must, at the time of application, meet one of the following requirements:
🎓 (a) Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher)
🏫 (b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent)
📜 (c) Have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation
Do You Need Work Experience?
Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship you are applying for is required.
Preferred Area of Study
A Master's degree (completed or ongoing) in environmental policy, political science, international development or economics is preferred, preferably with relevant specialization in sustainable buildings and construction, resource efficiency, circularity, climate change or a related field.
Language Requirements
🗣️ English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat
🔤 For the position advertised, fluency in English is required
Is the Internship Paid? Costs, Visa and 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 of Recruitment
The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). The United Nations also does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.
Is This Internship a Good Fit for You?
According to Youth Works Hub's review of the job opening, this placement suits students and graduates who meet one of the three education requirements, have a field of study closely related to sustainable buildings and construction or climate, and can cover their own travel, visa, accommodation and living costs in Paris or have a sponsoring institution. Because the internship is unpaid, you may find our guide to how internships abroad for students and recent graduates work useful when you compare routes and funding. You can also browse more internship opportunities on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the GlobalABC Intern do at UNEP?
The intern assists the Buildings and Construction team in coordinating and implementing activities that promote sustainable buildings and construction through the GlobalABC. Tasks include preparing webinars, the 2027 GlobalABC Annual Assembly and COP32 activities, coordinating Hubs, Action Groups and ICBC activities, supporting member outreach and communication materials, and preparing meeting notes.
Where is the internship based and how long does it last?
The duty station is Paris, France, within UNEP's Buildings and Cooling Unit. The duration of the internship is 6 months.
When do the internships start?
One internship is expected to start in January 2027 (2 interns) and one is expected to start in July 2027 (2 interns).
Is the UNEP GlobalABC internship paid?
No. The internship is unpaid, and 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.
Is the internship full-time?
Yes. The internship is full-time, and interns work five days per week (37.5 hours).
Who supervises the intern?
Interns work under the overall supervision of the Chief of Sectoral Transition Section and the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer at the Buildings and Cooling Unit.
What education do I need to apply?
At the time of application you must be enrolled in a graduate school programme, be enrolled in the final academic year of a university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent), or have graduated with a university degree and commence the internship within one year of graduation.
Do I need professional work experience?
No. Applicants are not required to have professional work experience, but a field of study closely related to the type of internship is required. A completed or ongoing Master's degree in environmental policy, political science, international development or economics is preferred.
Which languages do I need?
Fluency in English is required. English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
Do I need a visa?
Candidates are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station. 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.
Does the United Nations charge a fee to apply?
No. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process: application, interview meeting, processing or training.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is 22 October 2026.
Deadline
⏳ 22 October 2026
Link
🔗 Job opening and application (Apply Now): https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/286385?language=en
