Climate change is one of the most urgent and complex challenges facing the world today, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) stands at the center of the global response. For students and early-career professionals eager to gain first-hand exposure to international climate diplomacy, the UNFCCC Internship with the Intergovernmental Support and Collective Progress Division (ISCP) offers a rare and highly impactful opportunity.
This internship places participants at the heart of global climate negotiations, where international decisions are shaped, coordinated, and translated into real-world climate action.
About the UNFCCC
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the core international treaty guiding the global political process to combat climate change. It provides the framework for international cooperation under the Convention, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement.
Also Read:UNU Programme Associate, Biodiversity and Society (PSA3) 2026 : Apply Now
The UNFCCC secretariat supports these agreements by:
- Organizing and servicing high-level meetings of Parties
- Supporting negotiations and decision-making processes
- Facilitating the implementation of climate commitments
- Ensuring coordination among countries, observers, and stakeholders
Working within the UNFCCC means contributing directly to solutions for one of the defining issues of our time, in a dynamic and politically complex environment that demands professionalism, adaptability, and global awareness.
Internship Overview: ISCP Division
This internship is hosted within the Intergovernmental Support and Collective Progress Division (ISCP), one of the most central and influential divisions within the UNFCCC secretariat.
The ISCP Division provides direct operational and substantive support to the international climate negotiations process. Its mission is to ensure that the UNFCCC’s governing bodies function smoothly, efficiently, and in a way that meets the needs of Parties and stakeholders worldwide.
Interns in ISCP gain unparalleled insight into how global climate governance works—from negotiation rooms to policy coordination and diplomatic engagement.
What Makes This Internship Unique?
This internship is not observational or administrative in nature. Instead, it offers interns active participation in ongoing climate processes and exposure to the inner workings of multilateral negotiations.
Interns may support:
- Meetings of governing and subsidiary bodies
- Negotiation-related documentation and coordination
- Mandated climate processes and thematic workstreams
- External relations and engagement with Parties
Few internships globally offer this level of proximity to international decision-making at the highest level of climate diplomacy.
Key Focus Areas of the ISCP Division
The ISCP Division supports a wide range of critical climate processes, including:
1. Intergovernmental Support
This sub-division provides direct support to:
- Governing bodies such as the Conference of the Parties (COP), CMP, and CMA
- Subsidiary bodies including SBSTA and SBI
- Coordination and organization of official UNFCCC meetings
Interns working in this area gain insight into procedural rules, agenda-setting, and negotiation support.
2. Collective Progress
This sub-division supports negotiations and mandated events related to:
- The Global Stocktake (GST)
- Periodic review of the long-term global temperature goal
- Research and Systematic Observation (RSO)
- Advancing ocean-based climate action
Interns here contribute to processes that assess global progress toward climate goals and inform future policy direction.
3. External Relations
The External Relations sub-division:
- Serves as the liaison between the UNFCCC secretariat and country Parties
- Coordinates engagement with other UN organizations
- Oversees protocol and external relations services
- Maintains communication channels with Parties and observer States
Interns gain experience in diplomatic coordination, stakeholder engagement, and international communications.
Internship Structure and Assignments
One of the most valuable aspects of this internship is its rotational exposure. Interns will be assigned to each sub-division during the course of their internship, allowing them to gain a broad understanding of the ISCP Division’s work.
Depending on operational needs and the Terms of Reference (TORs), interns may:
- Support multiple workstreams simultaneously
- Assist with preparations for negotiations and official meetings
- Contribute to background research and documentation
- Help coordinate events and stakeholder interactions
This structure ensures a rich learning experience and exposure to multiple facets of international climate governance.
Who Should Apply?
This internship is ideal for candidates who:
- Have a strong interest in climate change, international relations, or multilateral diplomacy
- Want hands-on experience in high-level international negotiations
- Are eager to work in a diverse, multicultural environment
- Can commit to an on-site internship for 3 to 6 months
Applicants with academic backgrounds in environmental studies, political science, law, economics, international relations, or related fields may find this opportunity especially valuable.
For More Information And job details
Join United Nations Opportunities WhatsApp Channel
Why This Internship Matters for Your Career
Completing an internship with the UNFCCC can be a transformative career step. Interns leave with:
- First-hand experience in global climate negotiations
- Practical understanding of UN processes and governance
- Exposure to international policy-making and diplomacy
- A professional network within the UN system
For those considering careers in international organizations, climate policy, or sustainable development, this internship offers an exceptional foundation.
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by 7 February 2026. Given the competitive nature of UN internships, early preparation and submission are strongly encouraged.
