UNFCCC Internship Announcement

5 days ago

UNFCCC Internship Announcement

UNFCCC Legal Affairs Internship Announcement

Internship Details

Application Deadline: 28 March 2025
Announcement Number: 25/Intern09/LA
Expected Start Date: 1 August 2025
Duration: Minimum four months, up to six months
Location: Bonn, Germany (remote options available)

About UNFCCC and the Legal Affairs Division

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is at the heart of the global effort to combat climate change. Established in 1992, the UNFCCC serves as the foundation for international cooperation on climate action, including the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. The UNFCCC Secretariat supports negotiations, facilitates implementation, and ensures compliance with international climate commitments.

The Legal Affairs Division plays a crucial role in this process by providing legal and procedural advice to ensure that negotiations, decisions, and agreements are legally sound and effectively implemented. The division is responsible for ensuring the legal integrity of UNFCCC processes and providing guidance on issues related to climate treaties, compliance mechanisms, and international law.

Objectives of the Internship

The internship is designed to provide hands-on experience in climate law, treaty implementation, and international negotiations. As an intern, you will work closely with legal experts and gain exposure to the intersection of law and climate change policy. The experience will help you develop key skills in legal research, analysis, and policy development, which are essential for a career in environmental law, international relations, or climate governance.

Internship Responsibilities

Under the supervision of a Legal Officer, the selected intern will be responsible for:

Legal Research and Analysis: Conduct research on global climate litigation trends, legal responses to climate change, and advisory options related to environmental law.
Intergovernmental Support: Assist in servicing meetings of constituted bodies, including the Paris Agreement Implementation and Compliance Committee (PAICC). This includes preparing background materials, drafting reports, and analyzing country submissions.
Legal Document Review: Review legal documents, treaties, and instruments, identifying key legal issues, inconsistencies, and areas for improvement.
Preparation of Research Studies: Assist in drafting legal opinions, policy briefs, and research papers on complex legal matters related to climate governance.
Capacity-Building Activities: Support the organization of workshops, training sessions, and legal education programs for climate negotiators and policymakers.
Advisory Functions: Provide legal insights on compliance mechanisms, nationally determined contributions (NDCs), and the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement.
General Administrative Support: Assist in other tasks being carried out by the Legal Affairs Division, including document organization and legal correspondence.

Why Apply?

This internship offers a unique opportunity to:

Gain first-hand experience in international climate law and policy.
Work with experts in environmental law at the forefront of global climate negotiations.
Develop strong research, analytical, and writing skills that are valuable for careers in law, policy, and academia.
Network with professionals from UN agencies, government bodies, and international organizations.
Contribute to real-world legal solutions that support climate action and sustainability.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Educational Requirements:

Must be enrolled in the final year of a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD program in law at a recognized university.
Specialization in international law, environmental law, or human rights law is preferred.
Candidates who have recently graduated (within the past year) may also be considered.

Language Skills:

Fluency in English (oral and written) is required.
Proficiency in additional UN languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian) is an asset.

Technical Skills:

Excellent research and writing skills with experience in legal drafting.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and legal research databases.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a professional environment.

Personal Attributes:

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Interest in climate change law, sustainability, and global governance.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

Internship Conditions

Unpaid Position: The UNFCCC does not provide financial compensation for interns. All expenses, including travel, accommodation, and insurance, are the responsibility of the intern.
Full-Time Commitment: Interns are expected to work 40 hours per week.
Work Location: The internship is based at the UNFCCC Headquarters in Bonn, Germany. However, remote work options are available for candidates who are unable to relocate.
Technical Requirements: For remote interns, access to a personal computer, reliable internet connection, and Microsoft Office is mandatory. The UNFCCC will provide an Office 365 license for official work.

Benefits of the Internship

Even though the internship is unpaid, it provides several valuable benefits:

Professional Development: Gain expertise in climate law and UN processes.
Networking Opportunities: Engage with professionals from governments, NGOs, and international organizations.
Hands-On Experience: Work on real-world legal cases related to climate governance.
Career Advancement: Improve your qualifications for future positions in international law, public policy, and environmental advocacy.

Success Stories from Past Interns

Many former UNFCCC interns have gone on to successful careers in climate policy, law, and international organizations. Some have:

Secured positions at UN agencies, government ministries, and NGOs.
Pursued further studies in climate law and policy at leading universities.
Started careers as environmental lawyers, legal advisors, or policy consultants.

Application Process

Interested candidates must apply via the online application system, ensuring that they:

Submit a complete application, including a CV and cover letter.
Highlight relevant academic coursework, research experience, and professional skills.
Clearly articulate their motivation for applying and career goals.

👉 Apply Here

Important Notes

Due to the high number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
The UNFCCC does not provide visas or travel arrangements for interns.
Candidates must ensure that they have valid health insurance for the duration of the internship.

Other Internship Opportunities

The UNFCCC offers a range of internship programs across different divisions, including:

Climate Policy and Strategy Internship
Sustainability and Adaptation Internship
Communications and Outreach Internship
Finance and Carbon Markets Internship

🔗 Explore More Internships

Conclusion

The UNFCCC Legal Affairs Internship is an excellent opportunity for students and young professionals to gain hands-on experience in climate law, international negotiations, and policy development. If you are passionate about climate change, sustainability, and legal frameworks, this internship will provide you with invaluable exposure to the world of international climate governance.

Take the first step in shaping global climate law. Apply today!