Overview
Internship Assignment
Strategy and UN Affairs Team
Application Announcement number Expected start Duration of assignment Modality
deadline date
22/07/2026 25/Intern25/OES/ Strategy As soon as 3 months, with possibility Hybrid (on-site working
and UN Affairs Team possible of extension may be discussed)
Organizational context
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the focus of the political
process to address Climate Change. The UNFCCC secretariat supports the Convention, its Kyoto
Protocol, and the Paris Agreement through a range of activities, including substantive and
organizational support to meetings of the Parties and the implementation of commitments. It is a
dynamic organization working in a politically challenging environment to help resolve one of the
defining issues of our time.
The Strategy and UN Affairs team supports the Executive Secretary and senior leadership in identifying
emerging strategic priorities, strengthening international cooperation, and positioning the UNFCCC to
respond to the rapidly evolving global context. The team works across the climate agenda, supporting
long-term strategy, political analysis, partnerships, multilateral engagement, and the development of
new areas of work that will shape the future of international climate cooperation.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to have profound implications for climate action. AI presents
significant opportunities to accelerate the energy transition, improve climate adaptation, strengthen
early warning systems, optimize electricity grids, enhance scientific understanding, and improve the
efficiency of climate implementation. At the same time, rapid growth in AI is increasing demand for
electricity, water, critical minerals and digital infrastructure, while raising broader governance and
equity considerations.
As AI becomes an increasingly important driver of economic transformation, there is a growing need
for the UN climate process to understand both the opportunities and the risks it presents for achieving
the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
The internship provides an opportunity to contribute to the development of strategic thinking at the
intersection of AI and climate change, supporting the Secretariat's understanding of this rapidly
evolving agenda.
Objective of the assignment
The internship will contribute to strengthening the Secretariat's capacity to understand emerging
trends, identify opportunities for international cooperation, and support strategic engagement with
governments, international organizations, academia, industry and civil society.
Under the direct supervision of Chief, Strategy and UN Affairs, this assignment is designed to provide
the intern with an opportunity to support research, analysis and strategic policy development on the
intersection of artificial intelligence and climate change, through the following tasks:
• Conduct horizon scanning on emerging developments at the intersection of AI and
climate change.
• Monitor international policy developments related to AI governance, digital technologies
and climate policy.
• Research the role of AI in mitigation, adaptation, resilience and implementation of the
Paris Agreement.
• Analyze the implications of AI for energy demand, electricity systems, grids, data centers
and clean energy deployment.
• Prepare briefing notes, background papers and analytical summaries for senior
leadership.
• Support the development of strategic options and recommendations on future UNFCCC
engagement in AI-related issues.
• Map key international initiatives, institutions, partnerships and stakeholders working on
AI and climate.
• Support the organization of expert consultations, workshops and stakeholder dialogues.
• Assist with speeches, presentations and strategic communications materials.
• Undertake additional research and analytical assignments as required.
Expected Outputs
• Regular horizon-scanning updates on AI and climate developments.
• Briefing notes for senior management and external engagements.
• Stakeholder and initiative mapping.
• Literature reviews and evidence summaries.
• Strategic analysis on emerging policy opportunities.
• Background papers informing future UNFCCC work on AI and climate.
Learning Opportunities
• Gain first-hand experience supporting international climate diplomacy and multilateral
processes.
• Develop expertise on one of the fastest-evolving issues affecting climate policy.
• Build understanding of how emerging technologies shape international cooperation.
• Engage with experts from governments, academia, international organizations, the
private sector and civil society.
• Strengthen analytical, policy and strategic thinking skills within an international
organization.
Timeframe
The internship is for a period of three months, with the possibility of extension up to 6 months. The
exact dates will be determined based on the availability of the selected candidate, the organizational
needs and for on-site assignments, the time approved in the internship permit. The selected
candidate will be expected to perform the assignment on a hybrid modality (on-site working may be
discussed).
For assignments with time on site: The selected candidate might require a permit to perform the
internship in Bonn. This could limit the time on-site to a maximum of 3 months in some cases and
could entail carrying out part of the internship remotely. Thus, any selected candidate shall take this
into consideration when applying. Also, they are expected to comply with the IT requirements
mentioned below.
Required qualifications and skills
• Applicants must, at the time of application and for the entire duration of the internship,
meet one of the following requirements: 1) Be enrolled in a graduate school programme
(second university degree or equivalent, or higher, such as a PhD) at a recognized
university; or 2) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree
programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent) at a recognized university.
• University studies shall be in a relevant field of studies.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Excellent analytical, research and writing skills.
• Ability to synthesize complex technical and policy information for non-technical
audiences.
• Excellent written and spoken English; another UN language is desirable.
• Knowledge of AI governance, energy systems, climate diplomacy or technology policy is
an advantage.
IT requirements
For any internship with a remote component, i.e. outside of Bonn, the selected candidate will
require a laptop or desktop PC (with Windows 10 or newer) or Mac (with the latest macOS update),
as well as a reliable, high-speed internet connection. An Office 365 license will be provided by
UNFCCC to enable the interne to access official emails, SharePoint, OneDrive, and other necessary
applications, such as Word and Excel.
Further computer requirements:
• An antivirus application which receives regular updates;
• Browsers must be a newer version with regular updates enabled;
• Regular Windows 10 updates should be enabled with a Windows laptop or PC.
In addition, a mobile phone will be required to enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA) through
SMS or the Authenticator App.
Internship conditions
UNFCCC secretariat internships are not remunerated, and the selected intern will be responsible for
all costs associated with the internship assignment including medical insurance. Interns of the
UNFCCC secretariat are not staff members. The selected intern will support on a full-time basis (40
hours per week) or less according to agreement with the hiring manager.
For more detailed information about UNFCCC Internship programme please visit the internship
section on our recruitment webpage.
Application procedure
Applicants who are interested in this assignment and meet the minimum requirements must use the
on-line application system, include a cover letter and attach the necessary documents to evidence
they are eligible. Due to the high number of applications, only candidates under serious consideration
will be contacted.