Work Location
Athens, Greece
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. UNEP's Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition.
There are six internship opportunities available in the Barcelona Convention Secretariat, Mediterranean Action Plan Coordinating Unit of the Ecosystems Division, at the Athens. Greece, duty station. The internship will provide an opportunity to gain practical experience in environmental governance, sustainable development, and policy research. Applicants should demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to its purposes and principles. The interns should have the ability to work effectively with colleagues and stakeholders from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, as well as strong organizational, analytical and communication skills.
Preferred skills:
- Strong interest in the mandate and work of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), including knowledge sharing, and capacity-building initiatives.
- Digital literacy, including use of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) for the preparation of briefs, notes and presentations.
Under the overall guidance of the designated programme management officer(s), the intern(s)will support the work of UNEP/MAP in implementing the Programme of Work and Budget for the period 2026-2027. Daily responsibilities include assisting with the following tasks:
- Conducting research, collecting information and contributing to policy analysis and programme-related activities.
- Supporting the implementation, coordination and follow-up of programmes, strategies, plans and related initiatives.
- Assisting in the planning, preparation and organization of meetings, workshops, events and other activities.
- Supporting coordination, communication and engagement with stakeholders and partners.
- Assisting in monitoring progress, following up on agreed actions and maintaining relevant records and documentation.
- Contributing to the preparation and review of correspondence, reports, briefing notes, presentations and other official documents.
- Assisting in collecting, reviewing, consolidating and maintaining programme-related information and data.
- Supporting information management, document organization and the maintenance of databases and contact lists.
- Providing administrative and logistical support for programme implementation and related activities.
- Performing other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Qualifications/special skills
Applicants must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:
- Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
- Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent);
- Have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation.
Preferred areas of study: Master's degree or current graduate-level studies in International Relations, Sustainable Development, Environmental Policy, Political Science, Public Policy, Governance, Marine/Environmental Sciences, or another relevant discipline. Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required.
Languages
Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of French is required.
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.
