At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed this 6-month internship at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Geneva. Based in UNEP's Disasters and Conflicts Branch, the intern supports policy work, climate-security research, and communications under the EU-UNEP Climate Change and Security Partnership. The position is full-time, unpaid, and open to master's-level students or final-year undergraduates with relevant experience.
About UNEP and the Risk Management and Peacebuilding Section
🌍 The United Nations Environment Programme (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.
🏛️ Within UNEP, the Disasters and Conflicts Branch works at the intersection of environmental stability and human security. Its Risk Management and Peacebuilding Section delivers politically informed and context-specific analysis, policy advice, and programming aimed at supporting partners to prevent conflict, sustain peace, and build resilience to linked environmental, climate change, and conflict crises.
The EU-UNEP Climate Change and Security Partnership
🤝 In 2017, UNEP and the European Union (EU) established a Partnership on Climate Change, Environment, and Security to support Member States in addressing climate and environmental risks contributing to instability in fragile and crisis-affected regions.
🔄 The Partnership's second phase (2024-2027) extends the original geographical scope, emphasizes empowering local actors as key agents of change, and strengthens their involvement through enhanced regional and transregional practitioner networks. This reinforced collaboration reflects UNEP and the EU's shared dedication to addressing climate and environmental risks while advancing peace and security on a global scale.
📍 The internship is based at the UNEP office in Geneva. The intern reports directly to the Project Coordinator and, secondly, to the Manager of the EU-UNEP Climate Change and Security Partnership Programme, both located in Geneva.
Who This Internship Is For
🎯 This position is tailored for a highly motivated individual with a strong passion for addressing environment- and climate-related risks to peace and security. The selected intern will provide essential support to UNEP's project activities through research, analysis, operational support, and communications work.
Three Core Areas of Support
The internship is organized around three primary areas of work:
🔧 Operational and programmatic support: Assisting in the implementation of project activities, including support for narrative reporting to programme donors and partners, support with the organization of in-person and online events, and support for drafting concept notes and project proposals.
🔎 Research and analysis: Collecting, analysing, and presenting data gathered from diverse sources, including geospatial datasets, to support analytical outputs and the preparation of technical reports, scoping studies, and baseline climate-security risk assessments.
📣 Communications support: Contributing to advocacy and outreach materials, supporting the management of the Partnership's Knowledge Hub, and drafting social media posts and other visibility materials.
Detailed Responsibilities
Programme Development, Implementation, and Reporting
📋 Assist in the development, implementation, and reporting of programmes and projects managed by the Risk Management and Peacebuilding Section, with a particular focus on the EU-UNEP Partnership portfolio. Support the monitoring and analysis of programme and project activities by reviewing documents and reports, identifying issues, and proposing solutions, while using online platforms to facilitate real-time communication and seamless collaboration.
Research, Writing, and Technical Knowledge Production
✍️ Provide support in preparing high-impact written materials including research papers, funding proposals, analytical and donor reports, scoping reports, baseline and climate-security risk assessments, and sections of studies and other technical products aligned with organizational priorities.
📊 Conduct targeted background research, analyse and synthesize information and data from diverse sources, and translate findings into clear, evidence-based content that supports programme design, implementation, reporting, and decision-making. Collaborate with team members to refine and edit drafts, strengthen analysis, and ensure consistency with relevant strategic frameworks and reporting requirements.
Event Planning and Meeting Support
🗓️ Assist in planning and executing missions, meetings, and conferences, including developing comprehensive preparatory materials such as concept and briefing notes, invitation letters, background documents, and presentations. Provide logistical and technical support to ensure meetings are efficiently executed and contribute to actionable outcomes by preparing post-meeting summaries, reports, and follow-up documentation.
Outreach, Communications, and Knowledge Management
📡 Support the design and delivery of outreach, communication, and knowledge management activities, including the regular updating of the Partnership's Knowledge Hub. This includes identifying relevant content, preparing and publishing articles and updates on project activities, achievements, results, lessons learned, and good practices, and ensuring that knowledge products are accessible, relevant, and up to date.
🌐 Contribute to publications and other knowledge products, ensuring that key findings and recommendations are communicated effectively and aligned with strategic and programme objectives. Contribute to the dissemination and visibility of project outputs and achievements across appropriate communication and knowledge-sharing channels.
Additional and Evolving Tasks
⚙️ Perform any other tasks as requested by the Programme Coordinator or Manager. The specific assignments will be discussed with the intern upon commencement of the internship. As priorities and operational needs evolve over the course of the semester, tasks will be assigned in line with emerging programme priorities. The precise scope, timing, and sequencing of individual assignments will be determined on an ongoing basis in consultation with the intern.
Qualifications and Academic Background
🎓 Currently enrolled in or within one year of completing a master's program in environmental sciences, policy, climate change studies, communications, public policy, geography, or related fields
🏫 Final-year undergraduates with relevant experience may also be considered
Required Skills and Competencies
🗺️ Proven research and data analysis skills, including experience with geospatial datasets and tools
📝 Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience preparing professional reports and research papers
🎨 Ability to develop outreach materials and presentations tailored to diverse audiences
💻 Proficiency in digital tools, including websites, online collaboration platforms, and content management systems
📈 Knowledge of data visualization tools for creating analytical visuals
🌏 Passion for addressing environmental and climate-related risks to peace and security, with a focus on sustainable solutions
📱 Familiarity with social media, online communications strategies, and web-based content management systems
Language Requirements
🗣️ Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French, Spanish, or Russian is an advantage.
Duration, Working Hours, and Remuneration
⏱️ The internship runs for 6 months, full-time, with five working days per week (35-40 hours per week), under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which the intern is assigned.
💼 The internship is UNPAID. Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. For an overview of how funded international internships work and how they differ from employer-paid roles, Paid Internships Abroad for Students: How Funded Traineeships Really Work on Youth Works Hub explains the key distinctions.
📌 Interns may only undertake internships within UN Secretariat agencies for a cumulative duration of 6 months maximum.
Travel, Visa, and Practical Information
🏠 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 Switzerland may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work or employment authorization. UNEP advises successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.
🚫 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this UNEP internship paid?
No. The internship is fully unpaid. The United Nations does not financially remunerate interns. All costs related to travel, accommodation, visas, and living expenses in Geneva are the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution.
Who can apply for this internship?
Candidates currently enrolled in or within one year of completing a master's programme in environmental sciences, climate change studies, policy, public policy, geography, communications, or related fields. Final-year undergraduates with relevant experience may also be considered. The position is open to candidates of all nationalities worldwide.
What is the focus of the work?
The intern supports UNEP's Risk Management and Peacebuilding Section, particularly the EU-UNEP Climate Change and Security Partnership. Work includes programme support, climate-security research and analysis (including with geospatial datasets), writing technical reports and donor outputs, organizing meetings and events, and managing outreach and knowledge products.
What language skills are required?
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French, Spanish, or Russian is an advantage but not mandatory.
How many hours per week does the intern work?
Full-time, 35-40 hours over five working days per week, for a total duration of 6 months.
Can I combine multiple UN Secretariat internships?
Interns may only undertake internships within UN Secretariat agencies for a cumulative duration of 6 months maximum.
Do I need a visa to intern at UNEP in Geneva?
If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of Switzerland, you may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work or employment authorization. UNEP advises successful candidates to discuss their visa requirements before accepting the offer.
What is the EU-UNEP Climate Change and Security Partnership?
A partnership established in 2017 between UNEP and the European Union to support Member States in addressing climate and environmental risks contributing to instability in fragile and crisis-affected regions. The current second phase runs from 2024 to 2027 and emphasizes empowering local actors and strengthening regional practitioner networks.
What experience with geospatial data is expected?
The internship calls for proven research and data analysis skills including experience with geospatial datasets and tools, as well as knowledge of data visualization tools for creating analytical visuals.
Deadline
⏳ 09 November 2026
Link
https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/287097?language=en
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