Urban Heat and Cooling Internship

About the role

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is seeking a motivated intern to support its Subnational Climate Action Unit in Paris. The role focuses on extreme heat and sustainable cooling initiatives in cities, contributing to the UN’s sustainable urban development agenda.

Key responsibilities

• Assist the Beat the Heat Implementation Drive by tracking participating cities, monitoring cooling commitments, and following up on technical assistance requests.
• Support the Nature for Cooling Challenge in Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire and Cambodia, including grant‑winner selection and coordination.
• Research and draft briefs, case studies, and background notes on urban heat, nature‑based and passive cooling, and measurement methods.
• Help develop and disseminate knowledge products such as MRV frameworks, urban heat assessment tools, and training materials through the Cool Coalition.
• Organise events, trainings, workshops and study tours, preparing concept notes, agendas, logistics and meeting reports.
• Contribute to communications by updating website content, newsletters and social‑media posts.
• Assist resource‑mobilisation efforts through the preparation of project proposals and concept notes.

Required profile

• Final year of a bachelor, master or Ph.D. programme or a completed degree in urban planning, environmental studies, climate change or a related field.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of French is highly desirable.
• No prior professional experience required.