Environmental Affairs Intern

Assist in promoting sustainable lifestyles and green skills as an intern.

This opening expired 11 months ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

UNEP - United Nations Environment Programme

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Application deadline 11 months ago: Monday 30 Jun 2025 at 03:59 UTC

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Overview

Assist in promoting sustainable lifestyles and green skills as an intern.

You have:

  • 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.
  • Be computer literate in standard software applications (Microsoft Office Suite).
  • Have demonstrated a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter.
  • Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs.
  • Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Contract

This is a I-1 contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about I-1 contracts.

Work Location

The internship is intended to be based in Paris; however, alternative arrangements may be considered upon request by the selected candidate.

Expected duration

6 Months

Duties and Responsibilities

The 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production (10YFP) is a global commitment made by the 193 United Nations Member States to accelerate the shift to sustainable consumption and production in both the developing and developed world. It is the product of decades of multilateral cooperation on sustainable development and reflects a broad, global consensus on the need to fundamentally change the way we produce and consume in order to achieve social and economic development within planetary boundaries. The Secretariat is hosted by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), 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. The Secretariat is strategically located under the Resources and Markets Branch of the Industry and Economy Division, providing solutions for economic decision-makers and helps change the business environment by offering platforms for dialogue and cooperation, innovative policy options, pilot projects and creative market mechanisms. And the intern will be part of UNEP’s 10YFP Secretariat team. The internship is unpaid and is for a duration of 6 months. While the Secretariat is located in Paris, this internship is flexible. This internship is designed to be full-time and in person but can be adjusted based on the needs of the successful candidate. Interns work five days per week (35 hours) under the direction of the supervisor (in this case the 10YFP team) and in cooperation with other staff in UNEP. Under the direct supervision of the 10 YFP programme officer; the intern will: -Assist in supporting member states on SDG12.1 Indicator progress reporting by collecting and compiling SCP policy instruments and implementation of different countries in different regions, and completing & uploading the Submission forms -Assist in overall implementation of Skills & Lifestyles Area of Excellence of the 10YFP Secretariat including literature review and research on provisioning systems in high-impact sectors -Assist in preparing concept notes, agenda, speaking points, and presentations to support successful organizations of webinars/events to promote sustainable lifestyles and green skills. -Assist in updating and improving information of Skills & Lifestyles contained in the OPN website and contribute to implementing the social media outreach strategy

Qualifications/special skills

-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. Preferred areas of study include Sustainable development, Environmental Studies, Integrated Policy Planning, Business Management or related. -Be computer literate in standard software applications (Microsoft Office Suite). -Have demonstrated a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have 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 a willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Additional Information

Not available.

Intern Specific text

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

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.

Potential interview questions

Can you describe a situation where you had to work with a diverse team? This question assesses your teamwork and cultural sensitivity skills. Provide an example that highlights your ability to collaborate effectively in a multicultural setting.
What interests you about sustainable consumption and production? The interviewer wants to understand your motivation and commitment to the field. Pro members can see the explanation.
How proficient are you in using Microsoft Office applications? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a research project you have worked on and your role in it. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of how you adapted to a new or challenging situation? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Why do you want to intern with the United Nations Environment Programme? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What steps would you take to prepare for organizing a webinar? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you handle disagreement with a team member? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 11 months ago - Updated 11 months ago - Source: careers.un.org