Apply now for the United Nations Environment Programme Paid Internships 2026. Work remotely or in global offices and gain hands-on experience in environmental affairs, climate action, communications, data analysis, and sustainable development.
About the United Nations Environment Programme Paid Internships 2026
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) invites applications for its 2026 Paid Internship Programme, offering global and remote opportunities for students and recent graduates to gain professional experience in environmental sustainability, climate change, digital innovation, and global policy work.
UNEP internships are designed to provide hands-on training in the UN system while allowing interns to contribute to real environmental projects addressing some of the world’s most urgent challenges — from climate change mitigation to sustainable food systems and AI for the environment.
This year, UNEP offers seven new internship positions open to qualified candidates worldwide, with options to work online or from duty stations across Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
For more opportunities like these, be sure to follow us on Facebook, join our WhatsApp Group and Channel, and connect with us on LinkedIn.
Internship Highlights
- Programme: UNEP Internship Programme 2026
- Type: Paid / Partially Funded
- Mode: Remote and In-person options available
- Duration: 3 to 6 months
- Eligibility: Open to undergraduate, graduate, or recently graduated students
- Application Deadline: 11–24 November 2025 (depending on position)
- Locations: Geneva, Nairobi, Paris, Panama City, Montreal
Available Internship Positions
1. Intern – Communications
- Job ID: 266293
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Deadline: 11 December 2025
Assist UNEP’s communications team with global campaigns, social media management, media relations, and environmental storytelling. Ideal for students in communications, journalism, or public relations with an interest in sustainability and environmental advocacy.
2. Programme Support Intern – Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation
- Job ID: 265527
- Location: Panama City, Panama
- Deadline: 13 November 2025
Support UNEP’s efforts on climate change adaptation and mitigation projects across Latin America and the Caribbean. Candidates with a background in environmental science, policy, or development studies are encouraged to apply.
3. Intern – Programme Support (2 Positions)
- Job ID: 265909
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Deadline: 17 November 2025
Work with UNEP’s regional programme management team to assist in project coordination, reporting, and event organization. Open to students in international relations, public administration, or development management.
4. Urban Food Systems and Food Waste Intern
- Job ID: 266871
- Location: Paris, France
- Deadline: 19 November 2025
Join the Sustainable Food Systems Division to research urban agriculture, reduce food waste, and support circular economy initiatives. Suitable for candidates in environmental policy, food systems, or economics.
5. Industry and Value Chain Intern
- Job ID: 266608
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Deadline: 20 November 2025
Support the team working on sustainable industry practices, clean production, and responsible value chains. Applicants with degrees in industrial ecology, sustainability, or business management are ideal.
6. Artificial Technology Intern
- Job ID: 266811
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Deadline: 20 November 2025
Assist UNEP’s digital transformation and AI innovation projects by developing and testing AI-driven environmental monitoring tools. Ideal for students with backgrounds in computer science, data analytics, or artificial intelligence.
7. Intern – Information Systems and Data Support
- Job ID: 267056
- Location: Montreal, Canada
- Deadline: 24 November 2025
Support UNEP’s data and information systems team by maintaining databases, visualizing environmental data, and supporting reporting systems. Open to applicants in IT, data management, statistics, or environmental informatics.
Internship Benefits
While UNEP internships are traditionally unpaid, the 2026 cohort includes paid and fully funded positions through partnerships with academic institutions, governments, and external donors.
Benefits include:
- Monthly stipend or living allowance (varies by location).
- Remote work flexibility for select positions.
- Professional mentorship and training from UNEP experts.
- Networking opportunities with UN professionals and environmental leaders.
- UN certificate of internship completion.
- Practical experience in global climate, sustainability, and environmental governance projects.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the UNEP Internship Programme 2026, candidates must:
- Be enrolled in a graduate or final-year undergraduate programme, or have graduated within the past two years.
- Have an academic background relevant to the chosen internship area (e.g., environment, data science, communications, economics, etc.).
- Be fluent in English; knowledge of another UN language (French, Spanish, or Arabic) is an asset.
- Be proficient in MS Office and comfortable using digital collaboration tools.
- Have strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
- Have no immediate relatives (e.g., parents or siblings) working for UNEP or other UN bodies.
Application Process
To apply for any UNEP Internship 2026 position:
Step 1 – Visit the UN Careers Portal
Go to the official UN recruitment site:
🔗 https://careers.un.org
Step 2 – Search for the Internship
Enter the Job ID (listed above) in the search bar or search by “UNEP Internship 2026.”
Step 3 – Complete the Online Application
- Create an account or log in to the UN Careers portal.
- Fill in the Personal History Profile (PHP) form.
- Attach your Cover Letter explaining your interest and relevant background.
- Submit your application before the listed deadline.
Step 4 – Await Notification
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for assessment or interview.
Note: Do not pay any fees. UNEP and the United Nations never charge for recruitment or application processes.
APPLY NOW
For more opportunities like these, be sure to follow us on Facebook, join our WhatsApp Group and Channel, and connect with us on LinkedIn.
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- Gates Foundation Internship Program 2025 – Apply for Global Roles
Application Deadlines
| Position | Duty Station | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Intern – Communications | Geneva | 11 Dec 2025 |
| Programme Support Intern – Climate Change | Panama City | 13 Nov 2025 |
| Programme Support Intern (2 Positions) | Nairobi | 17 Nov 2025 |
| Urban Food Systems and Food Waste Intern | Paris | 19 Nov 2025 |
| Industry and Value Chain Intern | Geneva | 20 Nov 2025 |
| Artificial Technology Intern | Nairobi | 20 Nov 2025 |
| Information Systems and Data Support Intern | Montreal | 24 Nov 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Are UNEP internships paid?
Yes, for the 2026 cycle, many internships include stipends or funding support provided through institutional or donor partnerships.
2. Can I apply for more than one internship?
Yes. You can apply for multiple roles that align with your skills and interests.
3. Can international students apply?
Yes. UNEP internships are open to applicants from all nationalities.
4. Are remote (online) positions available?
Yes. Several roles allow for virtual or hybrid participation, depending on team requirements.
5. What is the internship duration?
Internships typically last 3 to 6 months.
6. Do I need prior experience?
No, but relevant coursework or volunteer experience in environmental issues is an advantage.
7. Will I receive a certificate?
Yes, upon successful completion, interns receive an official UNEP Internship Certificate.
Final Thoughts
The UNEP Paid Internship Programme 2026 is a powerful gateway for students and graduates passionate about climate change, sustainability, and global development.
These internships offer not just professional growth but a chance to directly contribute to global environmental solutions and sustainable transformation.
Whether you’re interested in communications, AI for sustainability, climate policy, or green innovation, UNEP provides a platform to learn, grow, and make a tangible global impact.
🔗 Apply Now: https://careers.un.org
📅 Deadlines: 11–24 November 2025
🌍 Mode: Online or Global Duty Stations
Keywords: UNEP Internship 2026, United Nations Environment Programme Internships, Paid UN Internships, Climate Change Internships, Sustainable Development Opportunities, UN Remote Work, UN Careers 2026, Environmental Affairs Internship
