UN Funding Cuts and UNEP Opportunities in 2025: Why You Must Consider an Internship Now
UN Funding Cuts and UNEP Opportunities in 2025: Why You Must Consider an Internship Now
Curtain Raiser: Why This Moment Matters
With global funding cuts affecting UN agencies, including the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the competition for paid UN jobs is intensifying. More roles are being restricted to internal candidates — those who already have UN experience. For outsiders, this means breaking in is harder.
Yet, there remains one powerful entry point: the UN Internship Programme. Internships with UNEP give you a seat inside the system, a chance to build networks, gain UN experience, and position yourself as an insider when future jobs open up. In a world where agencies are prioritising internal candidates, this advantage is priceless.
🌱 Why an Internship with UNEP?
- Familiarisation with the System
An internship lets you learn UN language, procedures, and workflows. When you apply for a consultancy or staff role later, you already speak the “UN dialect.” - Leverage for Future Jobs
With agencies like UNDP and ILO already prioritising insiders, an internship is your best strategy to become one. It shows recruiters you’ve worked within the UN system. - Professional Network Building
UNEP internships put you in touch with diplomats, NGOs, and international experts. These connections often open doors beyond the UN. - Hands-on Experience in Global Issues
From climate negotiations to environmental governance, UNEP interns work on the frontline of today’s defining challenges. - Differentiation in a Crowded Market
Hundreds of external applicants may apply for a UN post, but very few can say they’ve already worked at UNEP headquarters or in a Geneva/New York office.
🌍 Example of Current UNEP Internship Opportunities
Event Planning Internship – Geneva Environment Network Secretariat
- Duty Station: Geneva
- Duration: 6 months
- Deadline: 1 October 2025
- Responsibilities:
- Support outreach activities and environmental negotiations.
- Assist in organizing hybrid events, drafting invitations, and summaries.
- Manage social media accounts (Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube).
- Update the calendar of events and website.
- Prepare for visits of students and country delegations.
- Requirements:
- Final year of Bachelor’s, or enrolled in Master’s/Ph.D.
- Skills in writing, event planning, Canva/social media management.
- Knowledge of global environmental governance and fluent English/French.
👉 More info below (application link)
Public Information Internship – UNEP New York Office
- Duty Station: New York
- Duration: 6 months
- Deadline: 7 October 2025
- Responsibilities:
- Support UNEP’s advocacy campaigns and global events (HLPF, UNGA).
- Create content for social media, infographics, and newsletters.
- Support press briefings and media engagement.
- Research and prepare stories, presentations, and outreach materials.
- Requirements:
- Enrolled in final year of Bachelor’s or in a Master’s/Ph.D. programme.
- Strong IT and design skills (MS Office, Canva, Adobe Suite).
- Ability to draft news articles/social media content.
- Fluency in English (additional UN languages an advantage).
💡 Final Word
In 2025, with funding cuts tightening opportunities, the smartest move for young professionals is to enter the UN system through an internship. UNEP offers a chance to work at the heart of global environmental action while building the insider status that tomorrow’s jobs will require.
Do not wait — the deadlines for Geneva and New York internships are just days away.
Your future UN career could start with six months of unpaid but invaluable experience. And in today’s competitive environment, that might be the single best investment you can make.
