Policy and Partnership building - intern

Gain experience in policy and partnership building with UNEP in Brussels.

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UNEP - United Nations Environment Programme

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Application deadline 5 months ago: Saturday 27 Dec 2025 at 04:59 UTC

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Overview

Gain experience in policy and partnership building with UNEP in Brussels.

You have:

  • Field of study must closely relate to the internship such as international relations, European studies, or environmental studies.
  • Must be a student in the final year of a bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. program, or have completed one of these programs.
  • Be computer literate in standard software applications to develop visual products.
  • Demonstrated interest in environmental issues, the UN, and knowledge of EU institutions and policies is required.
  • Fluent in spoken and written English is required, knowledge of French and/or Dutch 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

Brussels

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

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/Europe Office, UNEP’s Brussels Office is ensuring regular and strategic relations with the European Union institutions (esp. European Commission, European External Action Service, European Parliament, Council of the EU), and supports related partnership building efforts, through intelligence gathering, policy dialogues, networking, as well as monitoring of policies and funding opportunities from the EU. The intern selected will gain pragmatic and professional experience of working at UNEP as well as engaging with various EU institutions and stakeholders. S/he will also gain an introduction to the broad range of UN & UNEP activities worldwide. Policy and Partnership building – starting date 10 March 2026 Under the direct supervision of the Head of Brussels Office, the intern will contribute to the following areas of work: • Policy - Policy/institutional monitoring, through (i) providing analysis on selected EU environmental and climate policies, strategies and legislation and (ii) screening of information/news on developments in the EU institutions, including relations with other regions, summits, etc. - Support UNEP Brussels Office in preparing policy and regional dialogues with the European Commission. - Follow relevant sessions of the European Parliament (e.g., ENVI Committee, etc.) when requested and report back. - Participate in conferences and events as requested and report back accordingly. • Partnership building - Support partnership building efforts, through briefings, memos, intelligence gathering, etc; - Identify and analyze different financial instruments of the EU; - Monitor calls for proposals and prepare related internal communication; - Provide assistance to any meeting by taking notes and keeping record of files; • Communication - Cooperation on the office newsletter and other channels; - Support UNEP (and One UN) events and campaigns in Brussels (e.g., UN Day, EU Green Week, World Environment Day, etc.); - Support in other tasks requested, including the proofreading and editing of documents.

Qualifications/special skills

  1. 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 that you are applying for is required. Preferred area of study: international relations/European studies/environment or other relevant studies. 2. 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. Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage. Be computer literate in standard software applications; and suitable IT knowledge to develop visual products (invitations, booklets, etc). Very good writing skills Have a demonstrated interest in environmental issues, the United Nations, and/or international governance and a proven knowledge of the European Union's institutions and policies.

Languages

Required: Fluent English Desirable: French and/or Dutch 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 French and/or Dutch 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 recent project or paper that reflects your understanding of EU environmental policies? The interviewer wants to assess your knowledge and interest in EU policies. Discuss a relevant project or paper and the skills you used.
How do you think your studies will contribute to the work of UNEP? This evaluates the alignment between your academic background and the internship duties. Pro members can see the explanation.
What tools or software are you proficient in that could aid in visual product development for UNEP? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe an experience where you collaborated with others to achieve a common goal. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you stay informed about updates in EU environmental legislation? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Have you ever participated in an event or conference? What was your role? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What steps would you take to prepare for a briefing with stakeholders? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Why do you want to intern with UNEP, specifically in the Brussels Office? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 6 months ago - Updated 5 months ago - Source: careers.un.org