The UNFCCC is recruiting interns for its strategy and UN affairs teams to support research on artificial intelligence and climate change. Please apply by July 22, 2026.
of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is seeking applications for an exciting in-house internship Strategy and United Nations Affairs Teamoffers graduate and final year undergraduate students the opportunity to contribute to the intersection of policy fields, one of the most rapidly evolving policy areas in the world. Artificial intelligence (AI) and climate change.
This internship will take place within the UNFCCC Secretariat and will provide successful candidates with first-hand experience supporting international climate diplomacy, strategic policy development, and multilateral cooperation. Applications have closed July 22, 2026a successful internship is scheduled to begin as soon as possible.
A unique opportunity at the intersection of AI and climate policy
As artificial intelligence continues to transform economies and societies, its impact on climate action is becoming increasingly important. AI has the potential to accelerate clean energy deployment, improve climate adaptation, strengthen disaster preparedness, optimize power systems, and advance scientific understanding of climate change.
At the same time, the rapid expansion of AI technologies is raising concerns about increased power consumption, increased demand for water and critical minerals, expansion of data center infrastructure, and broader governance and equity challenges.
Recognizing these opportunities and risks, the UNFCCC Strategy and UN Affairs team is strengthening its ability to understand how AI will shape the future of international climate cooperation and implementation of the Paris Agreement.
This internship offers aspiring researchers and policy professionals the opportunity to contribute directly to this new global challenge.
About the Strategy and UN Affairs Team
The Strategy and UN Affairs Team works closely with the Executive Director and senior leadership of the UNFCCC Secretariat.
Responsibilities include:
- Identifying new strategic priorities
- Supporting long-term organizational strategy
- Strengthening international cooperation
- Conducting political and policy analysis
- Building partnerships across governments and international organizations
- Exploring new issues shaping global climate governance
Selected interns will join a dynamic team working at the forefront of international climate policy.
Internship responsibilities
Under the supervision of Strategy and United Nations Secretary-Generalthe intern will work on research and strategic analysis that supports the Office’s efforts on AI and climate change.
Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting a new AI and climate change horizon scan
- Monitor international AI governance and climate change policy efforts
- Researching AI applications in climate mitigation and adaptation
- Analyze the impact of AI on energy systems, power grids, and data centers
- Preparation of briefing notes and background materials for senior executives
- Supporting the development of strategic recommendations on AI-related climate issues
- Mapping of international stakeholders, institutions and partnerships
- Supporting expert consultations, workshops and stakeholder dialogue
- Preparation of speeches, presentations and communication materials
- Support additional strategic research agendas as needed
This role combines policy research, strategic analysis and stakeholder engagement in a multilateral environment.
Expected output
Through the internship, the successful candidate will contribute to several strategic knowledge products.
Expected output includes:
- Horizon Scanning Report on AI and Climate Trends
- Briefing notes for senior management
- Stakeholder and organization mapping exercise
- Literature review and evidence summary
- strategic policy analysis
- Background document to inform future UNFCCC work on AI
These results will help strengthen the Secretariat’s understanding of one of the fastest growing areas impacting global climate governance.
learning opportunities
This internship provides valuable professional development for students interested in international affairs, technology policy, and climate governance.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Gain practical experience in international climate diplomacy
- Develop expertise on AI and climate policy
- Understand multilateral decision-making processes
- Collaborate with experts from government, academia, civil society, and industry
- Strengthen your analytical and policy writing skills
- Gain experience within a United Nations agency
This placement is particularly valuable for individuals considering a career in international organizations, climate policy, or emerging technology governance.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following academic requirements throughout the internship period:
- Be enrolled in a graduate program (master’s, equivalent, or doctoral program). or
- Be enrolled in the final year of a bachelor’s degree program.
Applicants must be studying a related field.
Preferred educational backgrounds include:
- international relations
- political science
- public policy
- environmental studies
- climate change
- artificial intelligence
- computer science
- energy science
- international development
- law
- economy
skills needed
Successful candidates must demonstrate the following:
- Excellent analytical and research skills
- Excellent academic writing skills
- Ability to synthesize complex technical information
- fluent english
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
Knowledge in one of the following areas will be considered an advantage:
- AI governance
- climate diplomacy
- energy system
- technology policy
- international climate negotiations
Knowledge of another UN language is also preferred.
Internship period and working style
Initially, the internship was 3 monthsmay be extended to 6 months Depending on your organization’s needs.
The work schedule includes:
- Hybrid working model
- We can also discuss on-site work in Bonn.
- Depending on visa and permit arrangements, some parts of the internship may require remote work
Applicants working remotely must have appropriate IT equipment and reliable internet access.
Internship conditions
Applicants should note that the internship is: unpaid.
The selected intern will be responsible for the following duties:
- travel expenses
- Accommodation fee
- medical insurance
- living expenses
- Other personal expenses related to the internship
Internships typically include: 40 hours work weekHowever, alternative arrangements may be agreed with your recruiter.
Application process
Interested applicants should submit their applications through the UNFCCC online recruitment system before the deadline.
Your application must include:
- Online application form
- cover letter
- Supporting documents proving qualification
Candidates are encouraged to prepare their materials early, as applications are now closed. July 22, 2026.
Summary of key dates
- Organization: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
- team: Strategy and United Nations Affairs
- position: Hybrid (Bonn, Germany/Remote)
- interval: 3 months (can be extended up to 6 months)
- start date: as soon as possible
- Application deadline: July 22, 2026
- compensation: unpaid internship
Why this internship is important
Artificial intelligence is increasingly reshaping the global response to climate change, from accelerating renewable energy deployment to improving climate adaptation and resilience. Internships with the UNFCCC’s Strategy and United Nations Affairs Team provide a unique opportunity for aspiring researchers and policy professionals to contribute to strategic thinking at the highest levels of international climate governance. For students interested in climate diplomacy, AI governance, energy transition, and multilateral policymaking, this internship provides valuable experience in one of the defining policy challenges of the coming decades.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization providing this opportunity. For inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not submit your application or resume to GSO as it cannot be processed by GSO. Due to the large volume of emails we receive every day, we may not be able to reply to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
