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’s Disasters and Conflicts Branch, the 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. In 2017, UNEP and the European Union (EU) established a Partnership on Climate Change, Environment, and Security to support Member States to address 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 highlights UNEP and the EU’s shared dedication to addressing climate and environmental risks while advancing peace and security on a global scale. The internship position is based at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) office in Geneva. The intern will report directly to the Project Coordinator and, secondly, to the Manager of the EU-UNEP Climate Change and Security Partnership Programme, both located in Geneva. This internship 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, including through research, analysis, operational support and communications activities. Key responsibilities include: - Operational and programmatic support: Assist 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, support for the drafting of concept notes and project proposals, etc. - Research & analysis: Collect, analyse and present data gathered from diverse sources, including geospatial datasets, to support a variety of analytical outputs and the preparation of technical reports, scoping studies, baseline climate-security risk assessments, among others. - Communications support: Contribute to advocacy and outreach materials, support the management of the Partnership’s Knowledge Hub, draft social media posts and other visibility materials. The Internship is UNPAID and full-time. Interns work five days per week (35-40 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned. Interns may only undertake internships within UN Secretariat agencies for a cumulative duration of 6 months maximum. Responsibilities 1. Assist in the development, implementation, and reporting of programmes and projects managed by the Risk Management and Peacebuilding Section of the Disasters and Conflicts Branch, with a particular focus on the EU-UNEP Partnership portfolio. Support the monitoring and analysis of programme and project activities by e.g. reviewing documents and reports, identifying issues, and proposing solutions, while using online platforms to facilitate real-time communication and seamless collaboration. 2. Provide support in preparing high-impact written materials including by contributing to 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, as needed. 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. 3. Assist in planning and executing missions, meetings and conferences, including developing comprehensive preparatory materials, e.g. 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. 4. Support the design and delivery of outreach, communication, and knowledge management, including the regular updating of the Partnership’s Knowledge Hub. This includes, for instance, 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. 5. Perform any other tasks as requested by the Programme Coordinator or Manager. The specific tasks and 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 as they arise and in line with emerging programme priorities. While the responsibilities outlined above provide an overall framework for the internship, it is expected that the intern will be actively engaged across all relevant areas of work and contribute to tasks as needs arise throughout the internship period. The precise scope, timing, and sequencing of individual assignments will therefore be determined on an ongoing basis in consultation with the intern.
Qualifications/special skills
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 be considered. 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.
