Environmental Affairs Intern

Remote | New York City

  • Organization: UNDOS - United Nations Department of Operational Support
  • Location: Remote | New York City
  • Grade: Internship - Internship
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Environment
  • Closing Date: 2025-09-22

Work Location

Flexible: Hybrid, all remote, or in-person

Expected duration

Desired start date of 3 November 2025 for a duration of 6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The Environment Section is mandated to support environmental risk and performance management throughout field missions. It works closely with the Environmental Technical Support Unit in the United Nations Global Service Center in Brindisi and the Rapid Environment and Climate Technical Assistance Facility (REACT), home-based specialists under UNOPS. The intern will be responsible for the following tasks: - Identify data sources for relevant Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations through desk research and targeted stakeholder interviews, looking also beyond the traditional areas of energy, (waste)water, and solid waste management, e.g., at the carbon footprint of missions’ websites. - Support subsequent data analysis and the identification of a set of proper indicators to track improvement in Scope 3 GHG emissions related to environmental management in the field going forward. - Assist with monthly data collection in support of an ongoing research project aimed at demonstrating the multiple benefits (safety, security, environmental risk reduction etc.) brought about by the transition to renewable energy, e.g., by reviewing missions’ monthly data submissions and following up in case of inconsistencies or data gaps. - Participate in meetings from the various working groups established through the department's Environment Strategy for Peace Operations and assist with notetaking. - Support any other tasks assigned by the Chief.

Qualifications/special skills

We are seeking a candidate with relevant coursework in Environmental Science, Carbon Accounting, International Relations, Operations Research, or a related field. Please note that to qualify for an internship with the United Nations, applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent); or (c) have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, commence the internship within one year of graduation. No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position(s) advertised, fluency in English is required; and knowledge of French is an advantage. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Additional Information

Visa and Work Authorization Mandatory Requirements: For internships in the United States of America, interns who are not United States citizens, permanent residents or on another non-immigrant (such as F1 visa) status, will be required to obtain a G4 visa. Interns will be responsible for ensuring that they have a valid visa, and if required, employment authorization (CPT/OPT), allowing them to undertake the internship. Terms of the internship programme: - The minimum duration of this internship is two months which can be extended up to a total period of six months. - Interns are expected to work on a full-time or part-time basis in the entity that has selected them, under the supervision of a staff member at an appropriate level. The working hours will be discussed with your supervisor at the time of the interview. Internships may be undertaken on the basis of flexible working arrangements if: - The receiving entity agrees in writing to accept an intern on the basis of flexible working arrangements. - Interns agree that they are required to work the equivalent of a minimum of at least two months on a full-time basis or four months on a part-time basis in order to receive recognition of service as an intern. An internship under such arrangements must be completed within a six-month period. - A record of attendance shall be maintained by the receiving entity in order to ensure that the intern meets this requirement. - Interns serving in one entity do not have a right to transfer to another entity. - Full provisions related to the conditions and terms of the United Nations Internship - Programme can be accessed on the following link: https://undocs.org/ST/AI/2020/1 . Potential candidates will be contacted by the Hiring Manager directly for further consideration. A completed online application (Cover Note and Candidate Profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The Cover Note must include: - Title of degree you are currently pursuing - Graduation date from your current program - List of IT skills and programmes you are proficient in - Explain why you are the best candidate - Explain your interest in the UN Internship Programme in your Candidate Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences (if any), skills, and three references. Due to a high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted.

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.

We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.

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