Apply now for the United Nations Environment Programme UNEP Climate, Peace and Security Internship 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya. Gain hands-on experience in research and communications supporting Somalia’s environmental peacebuilding efforts. Deadline: 7 November 2025
Contribute to Environmental Peace and Climate Security in Somalia with UNEP
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is inviting applications for the Climate, Peace and Security Research and Communications Internship 2026, based in Nairobi, Kenya. This six-month internship provides a unique opportunity for motivated students and recent graduates to contribute to climate and environmental peacebuilding efforts in Somalia — a nation at the intersection of environmental change, conflict, and resilience.
Job Title: Climate, Peace and Security Research & Communications Intern
Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
Department: UNEP – Disasters and Conflicts Programme
Duration: 6 months (Full-time, unpaid)
Application Deadline: 7 November 2025
Start Date: Early 2026 (Flexible)
Work Modality: On-site (UN Gigiri Complex, Nairobi)
Category: Internship (I-1)
About UNEP
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global authority on the environment. It works to set the global environmental agenda, promote sustainable development, and advocate for the protection of nature.
UNEP’s Disasters and Conflicts Programme addresses environmental challenges in fragile and post-crisis settings. By integrating environmental resilience and natural resource management into peacebuilding processes, UNEP supports countries emerging from crises to build sustainable futures.
Since 1999, the Programme has implemented projects in over 40 countries, helping communities rebuild, manage natural resources, and strengthen environmental governance after disasters or conflicts.
More information: www.unep.org/disastersandconflicts
About the Climate, Peace and Security Internship
The Climate, Peace and Security Internship focuses on understanding and addressing the complex linkages between climate change, environmental degradation, and conflict in Somalia.
As part of UNEP’s broader Climate Security portfolio, this internship aims to build evidence, enhance policy advocacy, and strengthen communication efforts that highlight how environmental challenges intersect with peace and stability.
Interns will work under the supervision of UNEP’s Climate, Peace and Security Advisor for Somalia, contributing to research, knowledge management, and strategic communication efforts.
Key Responsibilities
During this internship, the successful candidate will support UNEP’s Somalia Climate Security efforts through a combination of research, writing, and communications.
1. Research and Analysis
- Conduct desk research on climate-environment-conflict linkages in Somalia, including themes such as water scarcity, displacement, food security, and resource-based conflicts.
- Analyze reports and data to support UNEP’s policy and technical recommendations.
- Compile evidence for peacebuilding strategies and resilience programs.
2. Policy and Advocacy Support
- Draft policy briefs, talking points, background papers, and advocacy materials for UNEP’s engagements with governments, UN agencies, and partners.
- Contribute to technical presentations and donor reports on climate security.
- Prepare content for high-level events, interagency meetings, and international forums.
3. Communications and Outreach
- Support the development of articles, web stories, and social media content to raise awareness of UNEP’s climate-peace-security initiatives in Somalia.
- Assist with visual content creation and storytelling for digital platforms.
- Coordinate with the UNEP communications team to ensure consistent messaging.
4. Knowledge Management
- Document lessons learned, best practices, and outcomes from UNEP’s climate-security projects.
- Support the creation of knowledge-sharing tools and internal reports.
- Maintain databases and archives related to peacebuilding, resilience, and environment.
5. Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement
- Assist in coordinating meetings with Somali line ministries, UN partners, and development agencies.
- Contribute to the organization of workshops, side events, and consultations on climate and security themes.
- Ensure effective follow-up on communications and policy advocacy activities.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Education
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Currently enrolled in a Master’s or PhD programme in:
- International Development
- Environmental Studies
- International Relations
- Political Science
- Climate or Conflict Studies
- Communications or a related field
- OR have completed such a programme within the last 12 months.
- OR be in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree with proven academic excellence.
Experience
- No prior professional experience is required.
- Previous exposure to climate change, environmental management, peacebuilding, or development policy will be an advantage.
- Experience with research, data visualization, or content creation tools (such as Canva or Power BI) is beneficial.
Languages
- Fluency in English (spoken and written) is required.
- Knowledge of Somali, Arabic, or another UN language (French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian) is an asset.
Competencies
- Strong analytical and research skills.
- Excellent writing and editing ability.
- Organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to work effectively in multicultural environments.
- Proficiency with standard office software and digital communications tools.
Work Environment and Expectations
The internship is full-time (35–40 hours per week) and based at UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi.
Interns will work under the direct supervision of the Climate, Peace and Security Advisor for Somalia, collaborating with teams across UNEP’s Disasters and Conflicts Programme.
The position is unpaid. All costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses must be covered by the intern or their sponsoring institution.
Impact of the Role
This internship contributes to UNEP’s efforts in advancing climate security, environmental peacebuilding, and resilience in fragile states.
Interns will have the opportunity to:
- Participate in UN policy processes linking climate change to peacebuilding.
- Gain exposure to multilateral environmental diplomacy and field-based programming.
- Develop practical skills in research, strategic communications, and stakeholder coordination.
- Contribute to shaping how the global community addresses environmental dimensions of conflict and fragility.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply directly through the United Nations Careers Portal:
👉 Apply via UN Careers (Job ID: 266117)
Application Steps:
- Create or log in to your UN Careers account.
- Search for Job ID 266117 – Climate, Peace and Security Research and Communications Internship.
- Complete the online form and upload the following:
- A detailed CV/Resume
- A Motivational Letter outlining your interest in climate security and environmental peacebuilding
- Proof of enrollment or graduation from a recognized university
- Submit before 7 November 2025 (11:59 PM New York time).
Important: UNEP does not charge any application or processing fees. Applicants should disregard any email or website requesting payment.
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Meta Description
Apply now for the UNEP Climate, Peace and Security Internship 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya. Gain hands-on experience in research and communications supporting Somalia’s environmental peacebuilding efforts. Deadline: 7 November 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is this a paid internship?
No, the UNEP internship is unpaid. Interns or their universities must cover travel, visa, and accommodation costs.
2. Where is the internship based?
The internship is on-site in Nairobi, Kenya, at the UN Office in Gigiri.
3. Who can apply?
Current or recent students enrolled in Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programmes related to environmental studies, peacebuilding, or international relations.
4. What are the key areas of work?
The intern will focus on research, communications, and stakeholder engagement related to climate change, conflict, and peace in Somalia.
5. How long does the internship last?
It runs for 6 months, typically starting in early 2026.
6. What will I learn during this internship?
You’ll gain practical experience in policy analysis, climate security research, advocacy writing, and international communications.
7. Does UNEP assist with visas or relocation?
No. Interns are responsible for arranging their own visas and accommodations.
8. What language proficiency is required?
Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of French, Arabic, or Somali is advantageous.
Keywords
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