Intern - Sustainable Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC)

Work Location

Paris, France

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global 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 global environment. Since 2015, UNEP hosts the Secretariat of the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC), launched during the first Buildings Day at COP21. The GlobalABC secretariat is part of the Cities Unit, Energy and Climate Branch, Industry and Economy Division, UNEP. With 290 members, including 41 countries, the GlobalABC is the leading global platform for all buildings stakeholders committed to a common vision: A zero-emission, efficient and resilient buildings and construction sector. The GlobalABC:
• is a global advocate and a catalyst to action: GlobalABC advocates for market transformation and focuses on catalysing action by defining a carbon neutrality strategy for the built environment; GlobalABC advocates the sector's importance for global climate action through international high-level events, including COPs, Buildings Pavilion, CEM/MI.
• is a trusted platform to set targets and track progress: GlobalABC tracks progress in its annual Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction, and its Global Building Climate Tracker, a new index to track progress in decarbonization in the sector; GlobalABC co-leads the Human Settlements Pathway under the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action, which outlines the 2030 and 2050 decarbonization goals.
• supports countries in setting priorities and measures based on their situation: GlobalABC develops policy guidance and global and regional buildings and construction roadmaps outlining aspirational targets, timelines, and key actions for essential policies and technologies, and, offering a model for national and city-level buildings and construction roadmaps to support and raise the ambition of NDCs.
• supports the private sector transition with priorities and strategies toward business models focused on decarbonising and increasing the resilience of buildings. Under the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer, the intern will be responsible for the following tasks: Selected interns will assist the Buildings and Construction team in the coordination and implementation of the activities to promote sustainable buildings and construction, including through the GlobalABC. Duties may include, but are not limited to: Support the preparation of online events and webinars, including outreach and communications, operations and logistics Support the preparation of the 2026 GlobalABC Annual Assembly (tbd, 2026) Support the preparation of GlobalABC activities at COP31 (tbd, 2026) Support the coordination of GlobalABC Hubs' and Working Groups' activities Support GlobalABC member outreach including maintaining and updating member databases Support the development of communication materials such as presentations, articles, newsletter, website content development, and general awareness raising. Prepare meeting notes and outcome-based summaries for events, as requested. Assist other team members in various activities related to the overall performance of the Cities Unit's Buildings and construction activities Participate in team meetings and work proactively in performing tasks

Qualifications/special skills

(a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) 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: Environmental sciences, Architecture, Civil or Environmental Engineering, Urban or Environmental Policy, or related field. Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work. experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master's or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor's, Master's or PH.D. Programme. Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage. Applicants should have good knowledge of standard software applications, especially MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. Ability to draft news articles and/or social media posts in desirable. Ability to design surveys and polls is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat

Additional Information

Two internship positions are in UNEP's Cities Unit (Buildings and Construction team), Mitigation Branch, Climate Change Division, duty station - Paris, France. One to start 15 January 2026, and another to start 15 July 2026. Duration of the internship: 6 months.

Intern Specific text

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.