The UNFCCC is accepting applications for a Climate Finance Internship with its Regional Collaboration Centres. Learn about the internship responsibilities, eligibility requirements, duration, application process, and how to apply before the 30 July 2026 deadline.

UNFCCC Opens Applications for Climate Finance Internship Supporting National Climate Action

Students and early-career professionals interested in international climate policy have an exciting opportunity to gain practical experience with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The organization is currently recruiting an intern to join its Mitigation Division Coordination Implementation Sub-division, working with the Coordination Regional Collaboration Centres (RCCs) team.

The internship offers participants the chance to contribute directly to projects that strengthen climate finance, support Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and advance global climate action. Expected to begin in August 2026, the internship can be undertaken onsite in Bonn, Germany (preferred) or remotely, depending on organizational needs and the intern’s availability.

Applications close on 30 July 2026.

About the UNFCCC

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) serves as the primary international platform for global cooperation on climate change. The Convention Secretariat supports governments that are Parties to the Convention and the Paris Agreement by coordinating negotiations, facilitating international cooperation, and helping countries implement their climate commitments.

One of the Secretariat’s most important priorities is supporting countries in implementing their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)—the national climate action plans that outline how countries will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.

Achieving these ambitious climate goals requires technical expertise, international collaboration, and significant financial resources. Through its Regional Collaboration Centres (RCCs), the UNFCCC works closely with governments, development partners, and regional organizations to strengthen climate governance, mobilize climate finance, and build national capacity.

About the Internship

The internship is hosted within the Mitigation Division’s Coordination Regional Collaboration Centres (CRCC) team and the NDC Technical Support Unit.

Working under the supervision of the CRCC Team Lead and the NDC Technical Support Unit Team Lead, the selected intern will help coordinate activities that improve access to climate finance and strengthen implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions.

The internship offers exposure to international climate policy, project management, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge sharing across multiple regions.

It provides an excellent opportunity for students interested in climate finance, international development, economics, environmental policy, and sustainable development.

Internship Responsibilities

During the assignment, the intern will contribute to a variety of activities supporting climate finance and NDC implementation.

Key responsibilities include:

Supporting Climate Finance Projects

The intern will assist with preparing and implementing projects focused on financing Nationally Determined Contributions, including the Peer-to-Peer programme on programmatic approaches to financing NDC implementation.

Tasks may include:

• Conducting background research.
• Preparing agendas.
• Coordinating speakers.
• Providing logistical support.
• Assisting with project implementation activities.

Organising International Events

The successful candidate will support the organization of:

• Workshops.
• Webinars.
• Partner meetings.
• Climate finance events.

This work will involve close collaboration with Regional Collaboration Centres, international partners, and UNFCCC teams.

Documenting Lessons Learned

The intern will contribute to capturing experiences and best practices from countries implementing climate finance initiatives.

Areas of focus include:

• Climate finance governance.
• Investment planning.
• Project pipelines.
• Institutional arrangements.
• Country experiences.
• Knowledge products and technical tools.

Preparing Knowledge Resources

The role also involves helping prepare:

• Presentations.
• Technical reports.
• Meeting summaries.
• Peer-learning materials.
• Communication resources related to NDC implementation and climate finance.

Supporting Capacity Building

Working alongside RCC experts, the intern will help strengthen country-level capacity by:

• Identifying country needs.
• Preparing technical inputs.
• Supporting follow-up activities with partners.
• Assisting capacity-building initiatives focused on financing climate action.

Additional responsibilities may be assigned as project needs evolve.

Learning Opportunities

By the end of the internship, participants will have contributed to internationally significant projects that support climate finance and implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions.

Interns will gain valuable experience in:

• International climate governance.
• Climate finance.
• Sustainable development policy.
• Project coordination.
• Knowledge management.
• Stakeholder engagement.
• United Nations operations.

The internship also offers insight into how global climate agreements are translated into practical actions at the national level.

ALSO READ

• NFVF PESP7 Internship Programme 2026: Digitisation Opportunities for South African Graduates and Unemployed Youth
• MANCOSA HR Graduate Programme 2026
• Linde + Wiemann Graduate Development Programme 2026
• Premier Marketing Graduate Opportunity 2026
• Blueion Support Services Graduate Call Centre Agent Opportunity 2026

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must be enrolled at a recognized university throughout the internship and meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in a graduate programme (Master’s degree, equivalent, or PhD); or
• Be enrolled in the final year of a bachelor’s degree programme.

Preferred academic fields include:

• Data Science.
• Statistics.
• Computer Science.
• Economics.
• Related disciplines relevant to climate policy and sustainable development.

Applicants should also demonstrate:

• Fluency in English (written and spoken).
• Excellent communication and writing skills.
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments.

Knowledge of French or another official United Nations language is considered an advantage.

Internship Duration and Location

The internship will last up to six months, beginning in August 2026.

The assignment may be completed:

• Onsite in Bonn, Germany (preferred), working full-time (40 hours per week); or
• Remotely, with interns expected to align their working hours with UNFCCC office schedules.

The exact internship dates will be agreed based on organizational requirements and candidate availability.

Technology Requirements for Remote Interns

Candidates completing the internship remotely must have access to:

• A Windows 10 (or newer) computer or an updated Mac.
• Reliable high-speed internet.
• Updated antivirus software.
• Modern web browsers with regular updates.
• A mobile phone for multi-factor authentication.

The UNFCCC will provide access to Microsoft Office 365, including Outlook, SharePoint, OneDrive, Word, and Excel.

Internship Conditions

The UNFCCC internship programme is unpaid.

Selected interns are responsible for all personal expenses before, during, and after the internship, including travel, accommodation, and living costs where applicable.

Remote interns are expected to use their own computer and internet connection, while onsite interns will receive a laptop and internet access from the Secretariat.

Interns are not considered United Nations staff members during the internship period.

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the eligibility requirements should submit their application through the UNFCCC online recruitment system.

Applications must include:

• An online application.
• A short cover letter explaining their interest and suitability for the internship.

Because of the large number of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a telephone interview.

Application Deadline

30 July 2026

Final Thoughts

The UNFCCC Climate Finance Internship 2026 offers an outstanding opportunity for students and aspiring climate professionals to contribute to one of the world’s leading international climate organizations. By supporting climate finance initiatives, Nationally Determined Contributions, and regional collaboration, interns will gain valuable practical experience while helping countries accelerate implementation of the Paris Agreement.

For individuals passionate about climate policy, international development, and sustainable finance, this internship provides an excellent stepping stone toward a career in global climate governance and environmental leadership.

APPLY VIA THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Get the latest jobs, internships, bursaries, and remote opportunities delivered instantly.
Follow our channels and never miss an update.

Join WhatsApp Channel