Join the Global Fight Against Plastic Pollution: UNDP Communications and Research Internship (Remote, 2025) — This remote internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) mission to combat plastic pollution. Engage in impactful research, develop compelling communications, and support global initiatives aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability. Ideal for students passionate about environmental issues and seeking to make a difference on a global scale.
Background & Job Description
🌐 About the UNDP and Its Mission
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. With a presence in over 170 countries and territories, UNDP works to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development.UNjobnet
🧪 The Challenge of Plastic Pollution
Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental issues, with millions of tons of plastic waste entering the oceans each year. This pollution threatens marine life, human health, and contributes to climate change. Addressing this crisis requires a multifaceted approach involving policy reform, innovation, and public engagement.
🎯 UNDP’s Global Plastics Offer
UNDP has developed a comprehensive strategy known as the Global Plastics Offer, focusing on:
-
Policy and Regulation: Assisting governments in creating and implementing policies like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and regulations on single-use plastics.
-
Innovation and Technology: Promoting sustainable business models and alternative materials in sectors such as packaging and tourism.
-
Waste Management: Supporting municipalities in improving waste management systems and eliminating plastic waste leakage.
-
Capacity Development and Knowledge Management: Enhancing capacities, fostering behavior change, and establishing knowledge networks to aid governments in combating plastic pollution.
🧩 Role of the Communications and Research Intern
The Communications and Research Intern will support the UNDP’s efforts in addressing plastic pollution by conducting research, developing communication materials, and assisting in knowledge management. This role is integral to promoting awareness and driving action towards sustainable solutions.
Tasks
🔍 Research and Analysis (40%)
-
Conduct literature reviews on plastic applications, lifecycle management, and emerging innovations aimed at reducing plastic pollution.
-
Analyze regulatory policies, market-based instruments, and voluntary strategies addressing plastic pollution.
-
Review active plastics and waste portfolios to identify impactful country-level projects.
-
Research and highlight good practices, including digital and AI tools, for inclusion in knowledge products.
-
Investigate strategies employed by multinational corporations to reduce plastic pollution.Impactpool+2UNjobs+2Impactpool+2
🗣️ Communication and Knowledge Management (40%)
-
Contribute to the development and implementation of the team’s communications and advocacy strategy.
-
Draft engaging content such as blogs, brochures, newsletters, social media posts, and presentations.
-
Identify and engage with thought leaders and influencers, particularly among youth demographics.
-
Compile and synthesize the latest research to create thematic overviews.
-
Support knowledge exchange initiatives, including webinars, expert consultations, and event briefings.
🗂️ Administrative Support (20%)
-
Assist in organizing team meetings and brainstorming sessions.
-
Maintain and update team calendars and distribution lists.
-
Provide logistical support for workshops, conferences, and other events.
Qualifications
🎓 Education and Certification
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
-
Currently enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher).
-
Enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent).
-
Graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must start the internship within one year after graduation.
Preferred Fields of Study:
-
Communication, Journalism, Marketing
-
Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources Management
-
Sustainability Management, Development Studies
🧠 Experience
Essential Skills:
-
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
-
Strong research and analytical abilities.
-
Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.
-
Familiarity with graphic design or video editing tools such as Canva, Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, or data visualization tools.
Desirable Experience:
-
Conducting research on plastics and/or waste management.
-
Working on issues related to plastic pollution and waste management.
-
Producing communication and knowledge materials.
-
Creating visual content, including videos and graphics.
Additional Information
📍 Internship Details
-
Location: Home-based (Remote)UNjobs+1UNjobnet+1
-
Duration: 6 months
-
Application Deadline: May 17, 2025, 05:59 AM
-
Start Date: To be determined upon selectionUNDP
💼 Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following documents:
-
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
-
Motivational letter detailing interest in the internship and relevance to plastic pollution and UNDP’s work.
-
Samples of previous work (e.g., reports, research articles, blogs, videos, graphics, social media posts).
Note: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
💰 Internship Conditions
-
UNDP does not provide a salary for internships but offers a monthly stipend in accordance with its internship policy.UNjobnet
-
All other expenses related to the internship, including travel and accommodation, must be borne by the intern or sponsoring institution.
-
Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel.
-
Proof of enrollment in a health insurance plan is required.
-
Interns are not eligible to apply for or be appointed to any UNDP post during the internship period.
-
Interns are not considered staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.
⚠️ Important Notices
Non-Discrimination: UNDP is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin, or other status.
Scam Warning: The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing, or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names, and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
📈 Suggested SEO Keywords
UNDP internship, plastic pollution internship, remote environmental internship, communications and research intern, UNDP plastics offer, sustainable development internship, environmental policy internship, waste management internship, global plastics strategy, UNDP remote internship 2025