The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) is looking for a Space Law and Sustainability intern for its Space Sustainability Unit in Vienna, Austria. The internship is unpaid and full-time, lasts 4 to 6 months from January 2027, can be done virtually or in person, and applications close on 01 November 2026. Youth Works Hub went through the full job opening, and every duty, requirement and condition is set out below.
Space Law and Sustainability Internship: Position Details
📌 Position: Intern, Space Law and Sustainability
🆔 Job Opening ID: 285723
🏛️ Department/Office: United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs
🧩 Placement: Space Sustainability Unit (SSU)
📍 Duty station: Vienna
🗺️ Work location: Vienna
🏷️ Category and level: Affiliate Personnel, Internships, I-1
🪪 Recruitment type: Intern
⌛ Expected duration: 6 months
🚀 Expected start: January 2027
Where You Will Work: The Space Sustainability Unit at UNOOSA
The internship is located at the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in Vienna, Austria. The intern will be placed in the Space Sustainability Unit (SSU).
For more information on UNOOSA, the job opening points to the office's website, which is listed in the links at the end of this page.
Internship Duration: Four to Six Months
The listing gives the length of the internship in two ways, and both apply:
📅 Minimum period: the internship position is for a period of minimum four (4) months
🔁 Extension: the internship can be extended to a total period of six (6) months, based on the needs of the office and the availability of the intern
🗓️ Start: the internship period is expected to begin in January 2027
⏱️ Listed duration: the job opening shows an expected duration of 6 months
Virtual or In-Person: How the Internship Is Carried Out
The internship can be carried out either virtually or in person. The work location is listed as Vienna.
Full-Time Hours and Supervision
⏰ The internship is full-time
📆 Interns work five days per week (40 hours)
👤 Interns work under the supervision of a staff member in the Section to which they are assigned
What the Intern Will Do: Duties and Responsibilities
The intern shall undertake the following duties, which may include, but are not limited to:
🌱 Capacity building: assist in capacity-building activities on space sustainability, law and policy
🔬 Research and analysis: assist in legal and/or policy related research and analysis
🎤 Final presentation: deliver a final presentation on the internship outcomes
🧰 Other tasks: perform other tasks as necessary
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Who Can Apply: Education Requirements
To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
🎓 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)
Which Degree Fields Fit This Internship
🧭 Degree programmes should be in a field of international affairs, policy and law, or another degree relevant to the activities of UNOOSA
Skills and Personal Qualities Required
Applicants must also meet these conditions:
💻 Be computer literate in standard software applications
📊 Show proficiency in preparing spreadsheets
🕊️ Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter
🤝 Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes the willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views
Language Requirements: English, French and Other UN Languages
🗣️ English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat
✅ Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship
➕ 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
Is the UNOOSA Internship Paid? Costs You Cover
🧾 This internship is unpaid and full-time
🚫 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
Visa and Work Authorization
🛂 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
How to Apply: Cover Note and Personal History Profile
A completed online application is required, made up of a Cover Note and a Personal History Profile. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
The Cover Note must include:
🎒 Degree Programme: what are you currently studying?
📜 Graduation Date: when will you graduate, or when did you graduate from the programme?
📖 Past research: if in the area of space law and sustainability
🧪 Past experience: with space law, policy and sustainability (if any)
⭐ Top three areas of interest: list your top three areas of interest
🏅 Best candidate: explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship
💡 Interest in the programme: explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme
In your online Personal History Profile, be sure to include:
🗂️ All past work experiences
🖥️ IT skills
👥 Three references
📬 Due to the high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted.
No Fee at Any Stage of the United Nations Recruitment Process
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. For more on recognising genuine offers and avoiding scams, read our guide on how we verify every opportunity.
Who This Internship Suits
According to Youth Works Hub's review of the job opening, this placement suits graduate students, recent graduates and final-year bachelor's students in international affairs, policy, law or a related field, with a keen interest in space sustainability, law and policy, and in the work of the United Nations. 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 Space Law and Sustainability intern do at UNOOSA?
The intern assists in capacity-building activities on space sustainability, law and policy, and assists in legal and/or policy related research and analysis. The intern also delivers a final presentation on the internship outcomes and performs other tasks as necessary.
Where is the UNOOSA internship based?
The internship is located at the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in Vienna, Austria, within the Space Sustainability Unit (SSU). It can be carried out either virtually or in person.
How long does the internship last and when does it start?
The internship is for a minimum of four months, with the option to extend to a total of six months, based on the needs of the office and the availability of the intern. It is expected to begin in January 2027.
Is the UNOOSA internship paid?
No. The internship is unpaid and full-time, and interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions.
How many hours per week does the internship require?
Interns work five days per week, which is 40 hours, under the supervision of a staff member in the Section to which they are assigned.
What education do I need to apply?
You must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), or be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent). The degree should be in a field of international affairs, policy and law, or another degree relevant to the activities of UNOOSA.
Which languages do I need?
Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage, and the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
What must the Cover Note include?
The Cover Note must include your degree programme, graduation date, past research in space law and sustainability if any, past experience with space law, policy and sustainability if any, your top three areas of interest, why you are the best candidate for this specific internship, and your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme.
What goes into the Personal History Profile?
Include all past work experiences, IT skills and three references. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Will I hear back if I am not selected?
Due to the high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted.
Do I need a visa?
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.
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 01 November 2026.
Deadline
⏳ 01 November 2026
Links
🔗 Job opening and application (Apply Now): https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/285723?language=en
🌐 UNOOSA website: https://www.unoosa.org
