United Nations
Framework Convention on
Climate Change
Internship Assignment
Strategy and UN Affairs Team
Background
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:
Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1 • 53113 Bonn • Germany • Telephone +49 228 815-1000 • Fax -1999 • secretariat@unfccc.int
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- 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).
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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.
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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.