Internship Programs

UNFCCC Internships

Unpaid Internships

The goal of the UNFCCC Internship Program is to provide those interested in international development with a greater understanding of the work of the UNFCCC Secretariat, promoting practical experience in topics related to climate change and sustainable development.

In pursuit of its mission, the OpenIGO network has prepared a comprehensive eBook and support and guidance services, with the aim of highly increasing your chances of success in these competitive processes. These services include revising your UN internships application documents (curriculum vitae/resume and cover letter) and a mock interview, as per the United Nations model. We also offer a range of packages that combine the eBook with different services.

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UN Internships – PDF eBook

UNFCCC Overview

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international treaty adopted in 1992 at the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit. Its primary objective is to mitigate the effects of human activity on the environment, especially with regard to climate change. Thus, the UNFCCC Secretariat seeks to mobilize countries, the private sector and the international community to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere – especially in the more industrialized countries – to ensure a better quality of life for future generations.

UNFCCC’s main focus: Reducing human interference on the environment in order to combat climate change.

Themes addressed by the UNFCCC:

Kyoto Protocol
Cooperation & Support
Land Use and Climate Change
Gender and Climate Change
Climate Finance
Capacity-building
Mitigation
Technology

Description of the UNFCCC Internship

What are the fields of study required for the UNFCCC Internship?

This internship program includes students and recent graduates from the most diverse fields of knowledge. The areas of study with the highest demand in this program are:

Economics;
Environmental sciences;
International law;
International relations;
Natural sciences;
Political science;
Human resources;
Public administration;
Event management;
IT/computer sciences;
Communication.

What are the tasks performed by the selected for the UNFCCC Internship?

The activities performed vary according to the opening and the requirements of the different departments to which interns are allocated. However, generally speaking, the main duties are:

Draft and review reports and other types of documents;
Compile and analyze data collections;
Take part in training, meetings and events with other members of the agency;
Help in the elaboration of interviews and surveys;
Prepare presentations;
Manage UNFCCC’s social media;
Contribute to ongoing projects;
Perform other activities when required.

What is the duration of the UNFCCC Internship?

The standard duration of the internship is 2 to 4 months. However, if the agency needs it and is requested by the participant, the internship can total up to 6 months.

What is the weekly workload of the UNFCCC Internship?

The internship programs are full-time. Interns shall therefore work between 35 and 40 hours per week.

Where are the locations of the UNFCCC Internship?

The openings are for the two UNFCCC units located in Bonn, Germany.

When does the UNFCCC Internship start?

The initial date of the internship shall be coordinated between the intern and the organization.

Is there any feedback following the completion of the UNFCCC Internship?

At the end of the internship, the supervisor is in charge of preparing an assessment report of the intern’s performance.

Subsequent employment:

Participation in the internship is not related to future employment with the agency. However, the work experience in the agency will be a distinctive feature in your curriculum, which may facilitate your hiring by organizations inside or outside the UN System.

UNFCCC Internship - Salary

The internship is unpaid.

UNFCCC Internship - Requirements

What is the education requirement of the UNFCCC Internship Program?

Be enrolled in a graduate school program (Master’s or PhD).

What is the language requirement of the UNFCCC Internship Program?

Candidates must be proficient in English. Knowledge of another language in the UN System – especially French or Spanish – may be an advantage in the selection process.

What is the age requirement of the UNFCCC Internship Program?

Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrollment.

What is the nationality requirement of the UNFCCC Internship Program?

Applicants must be citizens of a UN member state.

What are the competencies required for the UNFCCC Internship Program?

The main competencies required are:

Skills in producing databases, technical papers, background documents, infographics, and communications are an advantage;
Be able to work in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment;
Strong writing and analytical skills;
Proficiency in using Microsoft Office and good research skills are required.

What are the restrictions of the UNFCCC Internship Program?

Applicants may not be related – such as: spouse, mother, father, sister, brother, daughter, son – to a staff member of the UNFCCC secretariat.

UNFCCC Internship - Application process

When to apply for the UNFCCC Internship Program?

Internship opportunities open throughout the year and the application deadline varies for each specific vacancy.

How to apply for the UNFCCC Internship Program?

The application process comprises of the following steps:

Register at UNFCCC’s E-recruitment System;
Search for the available vacancies;
Fill out the Personal History Form;
Submit your application in the system.

What are the phases of the selection process for the UNFCCC Internship Program?

Creating a profile and preparing an application;
Submitting the application;
Evaluation of the application;
Competency-based interview;
Selection notifications.

How is the UNFCCC Internship Program interview?

Usually, only selected applicants will be contacted for the interview, which lasts about 30 minutes and may be done via phone. The main points covered in the interview vary according to the opening and department chosen. In general, however, the questions address subjective or behavioral aspects, such as your expectations about the job, your interests in the area of expertise you are applying for and your previous professional and educational experiences.

What are the documents to submit for the UNFCCC Internship Program?

Personal History Form (be wary to fill out the “Internship” version of the form);
Cover Letter.

What is the evaluation criteria of the UNFCCC Internship Program?

You will be evaluated regarding your previous experiences and skills, as well as your educational background.

UNFCCC Internship - Costs

Visa:

You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs and arrangements of obtaining the visa (if needed to do the internship).

Insurance:

You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs of enrolling in a valid global medical insurance plan. It is also necessary to provide a Certificate of Good Health before you start the internship.

Accommodation:

You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for accommodation expenses during the internship period.

Other:

You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs and arrangements of the trip to the workplace to which you have been assigned.