General Information
Position Title
Environmental and Social Management Intern

Job Category
Sustainable Development Technical Advisory

Duty Station(s)
Copenhagen

Seniority Level
Entry Level

ICS Level
Internship

Contract Type
Internship

Contract Level
Internship

Posting Start Date
11-Nov-2026

Posting End Date
21-Nov-2026

Duration
6 month duration with the possibility of extension

Job Highlight
This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in environmental and social management within an international organization, contributing to the UN's sustainable development goals. Interns will enhance their understanding of the UN system, environmental and social safeguards, and develop valuable skills in data analysis, sustainability and research in a multicultural setting.

About the Group
The Infrastructure and Project Management Group (IPMG) provides policy, standards guidance and support in three UNOPS service lines of Project Management, Infrastructure and Financial Management Services (Grant Support and Fund Management). IPMG leads the design and implementation of a project, programme and portfolio management (P3M) system centered around the needs of UNOPS partners, beneficiaries and frontline personnel. IPMG also drives UNOPS efforts to leverage sustainable, resilient and inclusive infrastructure and maximize local capacity through grant support management to achieve sustainable development. Through thought leadership, we aim to position UNOPS with its partners, foster innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive development, and accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This includes speeding up the implementation of urgent infrastructure and scaling up infrastructure service delivery, particularly in relation to climate action and energy. Our delivery approach to project management, infrastructure and grant support management prioritizes development needs, empowers institutions and communities, builds partners’ capacity, champions gender equality and social inclusion and reduces environmental impact. IPMG translates policy into practice by providing strategic direction, standards and oversight, while facilitating knowledge sharing and capacity-building for UNOPS teams globally.

Job Specific Context
This internship position is situated within the Environmental and Social Sustainability (ESS) team of the Infrastructure and Project Management Group (IPMG). In alignment with UNOPS's commitment to the development and implementation of environmentally and socially sustainable projects and programmes, IPMG plays a key role in assessing and managing environmental and social risks and impacts through the ESS team. The role is crucial in supporting these ongoing efforts and contributing to the day-to-day activities of the ESS team's Environmental & Social Management and Safeguards workstreams.

Role Purpose
The Environmental and Social Management Intern supports the ESS team by assisting in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of environmental and social sustainability processes and initiatives. The intern will contribute to data collection, analysis, reporting, and the creation of communication materials, while gaining exposure to the practical application of environmental and social safeguards in an international development context.

Functions / Key Results Expected
1. Environmental and Social Management System Support:

• Support the continuous development and mainstreaming of the environmental and social management system standards, tools and documents.
• Maintain, update, and improve the graphic design of the documents and tools.

2. Data Collection, Analysis, and Reporting:

• Support the conduction of the organization’s environmental inventory and carbon footprint.
• Conduct data analysis and visualization.
• Conduct research and collect information and data on environmental & social topics, including global trends and emerging donor requirements relevant to UNOPS’ work.
• Assist with the preparation of updates, reports, presentations, meeting minutes, and other documents.

3. Capacity Building and Outreach:

• Assist with training support, workshop preparation, and the development of training materials.
• Support awareness-raising and outreach initiatives.

Skills
Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Graphic Design, Microsoft Excel, Python, Report Writing, Research

Competencies
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements
Required:

• A university degree (Bachelors, Undergraduate, Masters, Ph.D./Doctorate/Post Doctorate) in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Natural Resource Management, Social Development Studies, Sustainability, Engineering or other relevant discipline, obtained within the past three years, or currently studying towards such a degree.

Experience Requirements
Desired:

• While no prior work experience is required, some experience in environmental and social management, or in project management or related fields would be an asset.

Language Requirements
LanguageProficiency LevelRequirement English Fluent Required
French Intermediate Desirable
Spanish Intermediate Desirable

Additional Information

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
• UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.
  

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• For more details about the contract types, please click here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

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