Application Guide

How to Apply for Intern – Executive Office of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions

at UN Environment Programme (UNEP)

🏢 About UN Environment Programme (UNEP)

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) leads global efforts to address environmental challenges, and the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions are key multilateral agreements regulating hazardous chemicals and wastes. Working here means contributing directly to international environmental governance, collaborating with governments and stakeholders to protect human health and the environment.

About This Role

As an intern in the Executive Office, you'll support the smooth operation of the secretariat by assisting with administrative tasks, meeting coordination, and document preparation. Your work will help ensure effective implementation of these critical conventions, offering a unique behind-the-scenes view of international policy-making.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with checking emails from the Executive Officer and updating a shared calendar. You could spend the morning preparing background documents for an upcoming virtual meeting, then join a coordination call with stakeholders. In the afternoon, you might analyze data on national reporting rates and draft a brief summary for the team.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Is Looking For

  • A student or recent graduate in environmental science, international relations, or law with a strong interest in global environmental governance.
  • Excellent research and writing skills, able to synthesize complex policy documents into clear summaries.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and comfortable with basic data analysis (e.g., Excel pivot tables).
  • Organized and detail-oriented, with experience coordinating schedules or events (e.g., student conferences or NGO meetings).

📝 Tips for Applying to UN Environment Programme (UNEP)

1

Highlight any coursework or projects related to chemical management, waste, or multilateral environmental agreements.

2

In your cover letter, mention specific knowledge of the Basel, Rotterdam, or Stockholm Conventions (e.g., their objectives or recent meetings).

3

Demonstrate remote work readiness: mention experience with virtual collaboration tools (Zoom, Teams, SharePoint).

4

Tailor your resume to emphasize administrative or coordination experience, even if from volunteer roles.

5

Proofread meticulously – the Executive Office values precision in documents.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your understanding of the conventions' goals and your motivation to support their implementation.", 'Your organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks in a remote setting.', 'Any relevant research or writing experience (e.g., policy briefs, reports).', 'Your interest in international cooperation and environmental protection.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read the latest reports from the BRS Conventions (e.g., the outcomes of the most recent Conference of the Parties).
  • → Familiarize yourself with the structure of UNEP and the Executive Office's role within the secretariat.
  • → Look up current challenges in hazardous waste management (e.g., plastic waste amendments).
  • → Review the UNEP internship policy to understand expectations and logistics.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Tell us about your knowledge of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions. What are their main differences?
2 How would you prioritize tasks when supporting multiple team members remotely?
3 Describe a time you had to coordinate a meeting or event. What tools did you use?
4 How do you ensure accuracy in document preparation and data analysis?
5 Why are you interested in environmental governance at the international level?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention the specific conventions or UNEP.
  • Overlooking the remote aspect – failing to demonstrate self-discipline and communication skills.
  • Focusing only on environmental science without showing interest in policy or administration.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to UN Environment Programme (UNEP)!

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