UNDP Climate and Energy Internship 2026 in Italy or Remote: paid Stipend

Scholarship Details

Applications are open for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Climate and Energy Internship 2026, offering undergraduate students, postgraduate students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain international work experience in climate action, renewable energy and sustainable development.

The six-month internship is available in Rome, Italy, or through a home-based arrangement, with a monthly stipend provided under UNDP’s internship conditions.

Interested applicants must submit their applications before November 20, 2026.

About the UNDP Climate and Energy Internship

The internship, officially titled Intern – Climate and Energy Project Support, is offered through the UNDP Rome Centre for Climate Action and Energy Transition.

The Centre works with the Italian Government and international partners to advance climate action, sustainable energy access and climate finance.

Its major initiatives include:

• PISTA: Supports climate investment, technical assistance, decarbonisation and climate-resilient development in developing countries.
• Energy for Growth: Promotes sustainable energy access, clean energy investment and partnerships supporting Sustainable Development Goal 7.
• Youth4Climate: Supports youth-led climate solutions through funding, capacity development and engagement with policymakers.

The Centre also contributes to international partnerships involving G7 and G20 countries, the Mattei Plan for Africa, climate adaptation, digital development and sustainable infrastructure.

Selected interns will work with technical experts and programme teams to support these activities.

Benefits of the Internship

Successful applicants will benefit from:

• A six-month internship with the United Nations Development Programme.
• A monthly stipend, subject to UNDP’s internship policy.
• The option to work from Rome, Italy, or through a home-based arrangement.
• Practical experience in climate policy, renewable energy and international development.
• Exposure to project coordination, climate finance and investment facilitation.
• Opportunities to develop research, communication and administrative skills.
• Professional experience working with international development experts.

Important: The exact monthly stipend is not specified. UNDP pays a stipend to interns without external financial support. Where an intern receives financial support from another institution, UNDP may pay the difference between that support and the applicable stipend.

Flights, accommodation, visas, passports and other relocation expenses are not automatically covered by UNDP.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following educational requirements:

1. Be currently enrolled in a postgraduate programme, including a Master’s degree or equivalent.
2. Be in the final academic year of a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
3. Have recently graduated from a university and be able to begin the internship within one year of graduation.

Relevant academic fields include:

• Public Policy and Political Science.
• Environmental Science and Climate Policy.
• Energy Studies and Renewable Energy.
• International Relations.
• Economics.
• Engineering.
• Marketing.
• Other related disciplines.

Preference may be given to applicants studying at Master’s level.

The vacancy does not specify a mandatory minimum number of years of professional experience.

Required Skills and Competencies

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Familiarity with project management tools and coordination.
• Excellent writing and communication abilities.
• Good organisational and time-management skills.
• Interest in climate change, renewable energy and sustainable development.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Understanding of UNDP’s mission and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Knowledge of youth participation in climate action and familiarity with the United Nations or other international organisations are considered advantages.

Language requirements: Excellent written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of Italian or another official United Nations language is an advantage but not compulsory.

Internship Responsibilities

Selected interns will support the UNDP Rome Centre in several areas.

Research and analysis

Conduct research on renewable energy, sustainable energy solutions and climate change mitigation. Interns will also collect and analyse information for reports, presentations and programme documents.

Project coordination

Support project preparation, investment facilitation, progress tracking, meeting coordination and implementation activities.

Administrative support

Prepare correspondence, organise records, draft meeting minutes and maintain programme documentation.

Communications and outreach

Assist with social media content, newsletters, briefing notes and communication materials for stakeholders and development partners.

Event organisation

Support the planning and coordination of workshops, webinars, meetings and other climate and energy events.

Interns may also perform additional duties assigned by the relevant programme teams.

Location, Duration and Working Arrangements

The internship has the following details:

• Organisation: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
• Position: Intern – Climate and Energy Project Support.
• Job ID: 37931.
• Location: Rome, Italy, or home-based.
• Duration: Six months.
• Schedule: Full-time.
• Grade: IN.
• Bureau: Bureau for Policy and Programme Support.

Applicants must indicate their preferred working arrangement, availability period, and city and country of residence during the internship.

Although a home-based option is advertised, UNDP has not published a specific list of eligible countries for remote participation. Applicants should confirm any location restrictions through the official vacancy.

Stipend, Insurance and Leave

UNDP provides a monthly internship stipend under its applicable policy. The amount depends on the relevant stipend conditions and any financial support the intern receives from another institution.

Selected interns must arrange adequate medical insurance covering the internship period and duty station. UNDP does not reimburse insurance costs.

For international interns, insurance must also provide appropriate emergency medical repatriation and repatriation-of-remains coverage.

Interns accrue 1.5 days of leave per month. Unused leave is forfeited at the end of the internship, while unjustified absences exceeding nine days may result in deductions from the stipend.

The internship does not guarantee future employment with UNDP.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following information for their application:

• A copy of their passport.
• Preferred internship availability period.
• Preferred working arrangement: Rome-based or home-based.
• City and country of residence during the internship.
• Relevant academic and professional information.

Successful candidates will be required to submit additional documents electronically within one week of selection, including:

1. University enrolment confirmation and expected graduation date, where applicable.
2. University sponsorship confirmation, if applicable.
3. Recommendation letter from a professor.
4. Most recent academic transcript.
5. Passport copy.
6. Completed UNDP internship application form.
7. Signed UNDP Internship Agreement.
8. Medical Certificate of Good Health.
9. Proof of valid medical insurance.

How to Apply for the UNDP Climate and Energy Internship 2026

Interested applicants should follow these steps:

1. Visit the official UNDP Careers portal.
2. Search for Intern – Climate and Energy Project Support, using Job ID 37931.
3. Review the educational requirements, responsibilities and internship conditions.
4. Prepare the required application information and supporting documents.
5. Indicate whether you prefer the office-based position in Rome or the home-based arrangement.
6. Provide your availability period and intended city and country of residence.
7. Complete and submit your application through the official recruitment portal before the deadline.

Shortlisted applicants should be prepared to complete any required reference and background checks.

Application is free. UNDP does not charge recruitment, application, interview or processing fees.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is November 20, 2026, at 04:59 AM, as displayed in the vacancy listing.

Applicants should check the time zone displayed on the official recruitment portal and submit early.

Conclusion

The UNDP Climate and Energy Internship 2026 offers students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience in climate action, renewable energy, sustainable development and international project coordination.

With a six-month duration, a monthly stipend under UNDP’s conditions and the possibility of working remotely or in Rome, the programme is worth considering for applicants interested in building careers in international development.

Eligible candidates should complete their applications before November 20, 2026

UNDP Careers website: https://www.undp.org/careers

Job Identification Number: 37931