UNEP Internship 2026 is offered under the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) within the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
The UNEP internship supports biodiversity governance work, particularly in areas that integrate culture, indigenous knowledge systems, and environmental sustainability. Selected intern will contribute to research, drafting, and coordination activities connected to multilateral environmental negotiations and preparations for COP17.
The official application deadline for this position is March 7, 2026. The duty station is Montreal, Canada, with a remote option available depending on arrangements.
UNEP Internship 2026: Quick Overview
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) |
| Office | Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) |
| Job Opening ID | 272417 |
| Duty Station | Montreal, Canada |
| Remote Option | Available (subject to arrangements) |
| Compensation | Unpaid |
| Application Deadline | March 7, 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online via UN Careers portal |
Important: Interns are responsible for travel, visa costs, accommodation, and living expenses. The United Nations does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
Internship Focus and Responsibilities
The UNEP Internship under the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) focuses on biodiversity governance, indigenous knowledge systems, and multilateral environmental negotiations leading up to COP17.
The intern will contribute to analytical, drafting, and coordination work that supports international biodiversity policy processes. The responsibilities are structured around research, documentation, stakeholder engagement, and preparatory work for formal discussions.
Core Areas of Work
- Research on biodiversity governance, indigenous peoples, and traditional knowledge systems.
- Drafting background documents, briefing notes, and meeting materials.
- Supporting coordination with stakeholders and indigenous representatives.
- Assisting in preparations for COP17 discussions and related negotiations.
Nature of Engagement
The UNEP internship provides exposure to multilateral environmental processes at the international level. The selected intern works within policy-oriented frameworks rather than field-based assignments.
The role involves collaboration across diverse cultural and institutional contexts, particularly in matters involving indigenous knowledge integration into biodiversity governance structures.
This position is analytical and documentation-focused. It requires structured research output, clarity in written communication, and coordination support for formal international processes.
Related: NASA Internship 2026
Eligibility Criteria
UNEP internship eligibility requires the applicants to meet at least one of the following academic conditions at the time of application.
- Be enrolled in, or have completed, a Master’s or PhD program.
- Be in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree.
- Have recently completed a Bachelor’s degree.
Professional work experience is not mandatory. However, relevant academic specialisation is required.
Relevant Academic Background
Applicants should demonstrate academic background in one or more of the following areas:
- Environmental studies
- Indigenous studies
- Law
- Public policy
- Other related disciplines connected to biodiversity governance
Demonstrated Capabilities
- Strong analytical and writing skills.
- Knowledge of indigenous peoples, traditional knowledge, or biodiversity governance.
- Computer literacy in standard software tools.
- Interest in multilateral environmental processes.
- Ability to work across diverse cultural contexts.
- Alignment with the values of the United Nations.
Related: World Bank Group Internship (WBG Pioneers)
Language Requirements
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. The language expectations for this internship are defined below.
| Category | Requirement | Official Definition (UN Rating) |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory Language | Fluency in English (oral and written) | “Fluency” means a rating of fluent in all four areas: Reading, Writing, Speaking, Understanding. |
| Desirable Languages | Knowledge of French and/or Spanish (asset) | “Knowledge of” means a rating of confident in at least two of the four areas: Reading, Writing, Speaking, Understanding. |
Related: Infosys InStep Internship 2026
Financial Conditions, Visa Responsibilities & No-Fee Policy
This internship is unpaid. The United Nations Environment Program does not provide salary, stipend, or financial assistance for this position.
Personal Financial Responsibility
- Interns are responsible for all travel costs.
- Interns must cover accommodation and living expenses.
- Interns are responsible for medical insurance coverage.
- Interns must arrange and fund their visa requirements if applicable.
If selected for the Montreal duty station, candidates must ensure they meet all immigration and entry requirements for Canada. The United Nations does not sponsor relocation costs.
Visa Requirements
Interns must secure the appropriate visa before beginning the internship if working on-site. Remote arrangements may follow different administrative procedures, depending on approval.
United Nations No-Fee Recruitment Policy
The United Nations does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process. This includes application submission, interview processing, testing, or appointment.
The UN does not request information related to bank accounts or personal financial data during recruitment.
Related: Google Student Researcher Internship 2026
Application Process
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Mode | Applications for UNEP Internship (Job Opening ID: 272417) must be submitted through the official United Nations Careers portal. Applications sent by email or external platforms are not accepted. |
| Step 1 | Visit the official UN Careers job description page. |
| Step 2 | Click on the “Apply Now” option. |
| Step 3 | Create a United Nations Careers account or log in to an existing account. |
| Step 4 | Complete the online Personal History Profile (PHP). |
| Step 5 | Fill in education details, programme status, language proficiency, and relevant academic information. |
| Step 6 | Submit the completed application before the deadline: March 7, 2026. |
| PHP Purpose | The Personal History Profile (PHP) is the official UN application document and replaces a traditional resume in most UN applications. |
| PHP Must Include |
Academic qualifications (degree, institution, field of study) Programme status (enrolled, completed, or final year) Language proficiency levels (UN rating scale) Relevant academic projects or coursework Motivation statement or cover letter section (if requested) |
| Accuracy Requirement | All sections of the PHP must be completed accurately. Incomplete applications may not be considered. |
| Submission Rule | Only applications submitted through careers.un.org are considered. |
| Application Fee | No fee is required at any stage of the application process. |
| Editing Policy | Applications cannot be edited after final submission. |
| Communication | Shortlisted candidates are contacted directly by the hiring office. |
| Pre-Submission Check | Applicants should ensure that their academic background and language proficiency align with the eligibility criteria before submission. |
Related: JP Morgan Virtual Internship 2026
Selection Process
The selection process for the UNEP internship follows the official United Nations recruitment framework used across Secretariat entities, including the United Nations Environment Program.
Application Review
All submitted applications are reviewed through the United Nations Careers system. The hiring office evaluates candidates based on:
- Academic background and degree alignment
- Program status eligibility
- Language proficiency requirements
- Relevance of academic coursework or research
- Motivation and clarity within the Personal History Profile
Shortlisting
Candidates whose profiles meet the eligibility and competency requirements are shortlisted. The hiring office may contact shortlisted applicants directly through the UN Careers portal or registered email address.
Further Evaluation (If Required)
In some cases, shortlisted candidates may undergo further evaluation as determined by the hiring office. The United Nations does not publicly standardise internship interview formats. Any additional assessment is communicated directly to selected candidates.
Final Selection
Selected candidates receive official communication through the United Nations system. Appointment is subject to verification of academic status and compliance with administrative requirements.
The United Nations does not provide individual feedback to all applicants due to the volume of applications received.
Important Dates & Internship Duration Structure
| Parameter | Official Details |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | March 7, 2026 |
| Submission Mode | Online via United Nations Careers Portal |
| Internship Duration | 3 to 6 months |
| Initial Appointment | Typically 3 months |
| Maximum Extension | Up to 6 months, subject to departmental approval |
| Start Date | Not publicly specified; determined based on hiring needs and candidate availability |
| Duty Station | Montreal, Canada |
| Remote Work Option | May be permitted if approved by the hiring office |
| Visa Requirement | Candidate responsible for securing appropriate visa if working on-site |
FAQs on UNEP Internship (CBD Secretariat) 2026
🔽 Where is this UNEP internship based?
The duty station for this internship is Montreal, Canada.
🔽 Is remote work allowed for this internship?
Yes. A remote option may be available, subject to arrangements approved by the hiring office.
🔽 What is the last date to apply?
The application deadline is March 7, 2026.
🔽 How long is the internship?
The internship duration is 3 to 6 months. The initial appointment is typically for 3 months and may be extended up to a maximum of 6 months, subject to approval.
🔽 Is the UNEP internship paid?
No. This internship is unpaid. The United Nations Environment Programme does not provide a stipend, salary, or other financial assistance for this position.
🔽 What expenses do interns need to cover themselves?
Interns are responsible for their travel, accommodation, living expenses, medical insurance, and any visa-related costs (if working on-site).
🔽 Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must meet at least one eligibility condition such as being enrolled in or having completed a Master’s or PhD programme, being in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree, or having recently completed a Bachelor’s degree.
🔽 Which academic backgrounds are relevant for this role?
Relevant academic backgrounds include environmental studies, indigenous studies, law, public policy, and other related disciplines linked to biodiversity governance.
🔽 What language skills are required?
Fluency in English is required (oral and written). Knowledge of French and/or Spanish is considered an asset.
🔽 Does the UN charge any fee to apply?
No. The United Nations does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or appointment.
