Environmental Law and Governance Intern

The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the world's 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 environment.

Role Overview

This is an internship position in Environmental Law and Governance. Under the direct supervision of a relevant staff member, the intern will work with and learn from a team of experienced professionals in this area, contributing to its progressive development.

Key Responsibilities

The interns are expected to perform the following duties:

• Carry out and prepare research briefs on substantive matters, including on rules of procedure, legal affairs, or other environmental law and governance issues.
• Assist in the development of institutional capacities in countries to support implementation of environmental legislation and compliance with Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs).
• Prepare written summaries and/or make oral presentations of research topics, including briefing notes and reports.
• Contribute to the finalization of key publications on environmental law and governance and to any communication material promoting the Division's work, including through research, drafting, and editing.
• Assist in the organization and support of training events, meetings, and workshops that are organized by the Division through, e.g., preparing the agenda, compiling materials, making presentations, taking notes, and related tasks.
• Support intergovernmental processes, as needed.
• Help monitor, manage, and support UNEP online knowledge platforms.
• Undertake such other tasks as may be assigned by the Director, Head of Branches, and other relevant Officers within the Division.

Qualifications and Special Skills

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

1. Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher).
2. Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent).

Preferred areas of study include Law, International Relations, Environmental Governance, Public Administration, among other related areas of study. A field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required.

Preferred Skills:

• Robust legal knowledge, research skills, and an understanding of environmental laws and policies.
• Ability to conduct legal research and analyze legal and governance frameworks.
• Strong skills in drafting meeting notes, reports, legal memos, or position papers.
• Strong communication skills with different stakeholders and knowledge of Microsoft Office and digital tools.

Note: Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience.

The deadline for application is February 12, 2026.