Job Description
The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) is inviting applications from enthusiastic, motivated, and forward-thinking individuals for the position of Environmental Affairs Intern based in Nairobi, Kenya. This internship provides an exceptional opportunity for students and recent graduates who are passionate about environmental sustainability, climate action, biodiversity conservation, pollution reduction, natural resource management, and international development. The selected intern will become part of a dynamic multicultural workplace where innovative ideas, collaboration, professionalism, and continuous learning are highly valued.
Working within UNEP's Environmental Affairs team, the successful candidate will contribute to a variety of projects supporting global environmental priorities. The internship offers meaningful exposure to international environmental governance, research initiatives, policy development, knowledge management, technical reporting, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable development program. Interns will gain valuable practical experience by assisting experienced environmental specialists, program officers, scientists, and policy experts while learning how environmental policies are developed, implemented, monitored, and evaluated at the international level.
The successful candidate will participate in gathering environmental information from multiple reliable sources, analyzing technical findings, preparing briefing materials, supporting workshops and conferences, documenting project progress, and assisting with communication activities that promote environmental awareness. The role also involves helping organize meetings, maintaining project documentation, supporting data management activities, and contributing to research related to climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, pollution prevention, green economy initiatives, sustainable resource use, and environmental innovation.
This internship is designed to strengthen both technical knowledge and professional competencies. Interns will develop practical experience in analytical thinking, environmental research, project coordination, report preparation, stakeholder communication, digital information management, and teamwork within a globally recognized organization. They will work alongside professionals representing diverse cultures and disciplines while gaining insight into international environmental program that influence policies and sustainable development initiatives worldwide.
UNEP offers an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative working environment that encourages innovation, diversity, integrity, accountability, and continuous professional growth. Interns are encouraged to contribute fresh perspectives, creative problem-solving approaches, and evidence-based recommendations that support environmental objectives across multiple program areas. Throughout the internship, participants will receive valuable mentorship, exposure to international best practices, and opportunities to expand their professional networks within the environmental sector.
This position is ideal for individuals seeking meaningful experience before pursuing careers in environmental science, climate policy, ecology, environmental law, sustainable development, natural resource management, international relations, environmental economics, or related disciplines. Candidates who demonstrate strong curiosity, commitment to environmental stewardship, excellent organizational skills, and a willingness to learn in a multicultural environment are encouraged to apply. This internship represents an outstanding opportunity to contribute to global environmental solutions while building practical experience with one of the world's leading environmental organizations.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist environmental specialists with research projects supporting international environmental program and sustainable development initiatives.
- Collect, review, organize, and analyze environmental information from reputable scientific publications, databases, and institutional resources.
- Support preparation of technical reports, background papers, policy briefs, presentations, and environmental summaries.
- Help maintain accurate project records, databases, documentation systems, and digital information repositories.
- Participate in environmental data collection, verification, compilation, and quality assurance activities.
- Assist in preparing meeting agendas, minutes, presentations, and follow-up documentation for internal and external meetings.
- Support coordination of workshops, seminars, conferences, webinars, and stakeholder engagement events.
- Contribute to communication materials promoting environmental awareness, sustainability initiatives, and program achievements.
- Perform literature reviews covering climate change, biodiversity conservation, pollution management, ecosystem restoration, and natural resource governance.
- Assist with monitoring project milestones, timelines, deliverables, and reporting requirements.
- Support collaboration with internal teams and external partners involved in environmental program.
- Prepare charts, tables, graphics, and summaries that present environmental information clearly and accurately.
- Assist with reviewing technical documents for consistency, formatting, and completeness.
- Contribute to knowledge-sharing initiatives by organizing reference materials and project resources.
- Support implementation of environmental monitoring and evaluation activities where appropriate.
- Assist in documenting lessons learned and identifying opportunities for continuous program improvement.
- Participate in multidisciplinary team discussions and contribute thoughtful ideas during project planning sessions.
- Conduct administrative support activities related to environmental program implementation.
- Help ensure project documentation complies with organizational procedures and reporting standards.
- Assist with drafting correspondence, meeting notes, and professional communications.
- Support information management using standard office software and digital collaboration platforms.
- Perform internet-based research on emerging environmental trends, sustainability innovations, and policy developments.
- Help coordinate logistics for environmental meetings and stakeholder consultations.
- Maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive organizational information.
- Participate actively in training sessions, learning activities, and professional development opportunities.
- Collaborate respectfully with colleagues from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds.
- Demonstrate initiative by identifying opportunities to improve workflows and information organization.
- Complete assigned duties within agreed timelines while maintaining high standards of quality and professionalism.
- Support additional environmental program activities assigned by supervisors in accordance with internship objectives.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Currently enrolled in, or recently completed, a Bachelor's, Master's, or equivalent university program in Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Climate Change, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Geography, Sustainable Development, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Policy, International Relations, or another closely related discipline.
- Strong academic interest in environmental sustainability and global development.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong analytical and research abilities.
- Effective organizational and time
- management skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Ability to prepare professional reports and presentations.
- Good interpersonal and teamwork skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple assignments effectively.
- Strong problem
- solving and critical
- thinking capabilities.
- Willingness to learn in a multicultural and international working environment.
- Professional attitude, integrity, and accountability.
- Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Familiarity with environmental issues and sustainable development concepts is an advantage.
- Knowledge of data analysis or GIS tools is beneficial but not mandatory.
- Fluency in English is required
- knowledge of another UN language is considered an advantage.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application through the official United Nations careers recruitment system before the closing date. Applicants should complete the online application form accurately and attach all required supporting documents, including an updated curriculum vitae (CV), academic records where applicable, and any additional documents requested in the vacancy announcement. Ensure that all information provided is complete, truthful, and up to date before submitting the application. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
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