UNDP Climate and Energy Internship 2026 in Italy or Home-Based: Six-Month Opportunity with Monthly Stipend

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Climate and Energy Internship 2026 is inviting applications from eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students and recent graduates interested in climate action, renewable energy, sustainable development, climate finance and international development. The internship, titled Intern – Climate and Energy Project Support, offers an opportunity to work with the UNDP Rome Centre for Climate Action and Energy Transition. Selected interns will support research, project coordination, investment facilitation, communications and administrative activities across the Centre's climate and energy portfolio. Based on the vacancy announcement, the internship is available on a full-time basis for six months, with two possible working arrangements: office-based in Rome, Italy, or home-based. Applicants must indicate their preferred arrangement, availability period and location of residence during the internship in their application. The opportunity is particularly relevant to students and recent graduates in public policy, political science, environmental science, climate policy, energy studies, international relations, economics, engineering, marketing and related disciplines. UNDP Climate and Energy Internship 2026: Key Information • Organisation: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) • Position: Intern – Climate and Energy Project Support • Job Identification: 37931 • Location: Rome, Italy, or home-based • Duration: Six months • Schedule: Full-time • Application deadline: November 20, 2026, at 04:59 AM • Required language: English • Desired language: Italian • Stipend: Monthly stipend may be provided, subject to UNDP's internship stipend conditions. • Official application: UNDP Careers portal About the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations' lead agency on international development. It works with countries and communities to address poverty, support sustainable development, implement climate commitments and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP supports governments and communities by connecting them with knowledge, resources, partnerships and expertise needed to address development challenges. Its work includes climate change mitigation and adaptation, access to sustainable energy, economic development, governance and support for vulnerable communities. The organisation's work is guided by the principle of leaving no one behind. It also promotes diversity, equity and inclusion in its recruitment and working environments. For this internship, the selected candidate will support the work of UNDP's Rome Centre for Climate Action and Energy Transition, which contributes to the organisation's climate and energy development priorities. About the UNDP Rome Centre for Climate Action and Energy Transition The Rome Centre plays an important role in implementing and developing the strategic partnership between UNDP and the Government of Italy. Its work also contributes to broader collaboration between UNDP and G7 and G20 countries, particularly in areas connected to sustainable development, climate action, energy transition and international development cooperation. The Centre focuses on three major policy areas: • Youth engagement in climate action. • Energy for development. • Climate finance. These priorities are advanced through three initial programmes and initiatives: the Technical Assistance and Investment Support Facility, the Italy-UNDP Energy Partnership and Youth4Climate. 1. Platform for Investment Support and Technical Assistance (PISTA) The Platform for Investment Support and Technical Assistance, known as PISTA, aims to mobilise financial resources for climate action, energy and environmental development. Its work focuses on helping developing economies advance decarbonisation and transition towards climate-resilient economies. The initiative seeks to: • Identify and develop projects that contribute to decarbonisation. • Support climate-resilient development initiatives in developing economies. • Connect impactful projects with investors and capital providers. • Encourage international financial institutions and private-sector investors to support climate and energy projects. • Mobilise financial resources for development initiatives. Through these activities, PISTA helps connect development priorities with the financial resources needed to implement climate and environmental solutions. For an intern, this portfolio provides exposure to the relationship between climate policy, project preparation, investment facilitation and international development finance. 2. Energy for Growth Initiative The Energy for Growth initiative promotes access to sustainable energy in developing countries and contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), which focuses on affordable and clean energy. The initiative works to help partner countries unlock financing for sustainable energy solutions, expand energy access and accelerate the transition towards cleaner energy systems. Its work includes: • Supporting the mobilisation of public and private capital for energy projects. • Encouraging investment in clean energy solutions. • Connecting developing countries with relevant international partnerships. • Supporting projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. • Strengthening cooperation between UNDP, the Italian public-private ecosystem and other G7 and G20 partners. The initiative provides an opportunity to understand how international development partnerships can support sustainable energy access and energy transition in developing economies. 3. Youth4Climate Youth4Climate promotes youth participation and leadership in addressing climate change. The initiative supports youth-led and youth-inclusive solutions to environmental and climate challenges through financial support and capacity development. It also provides opportunities for young people committed to climate action to engage with policymakers and global leaders. Its focus includes: • Supporting youth-led climate solutions. • Strengthening young people's capacity to participate in climate action. • Promoting youth engagement in environmental decision-making. • Connecting young climate advocates with policymakers and international leaders. • Supporting initiatives that contribute to climate action and SDG 13. This area is particularly relevant to applicants interested in the intersection of youth participation, climate policy, environmental advocacy and sustainable development. 4. Broader international partnerships and development initiatives Beyond these three programmes, the Rome Centre has a broader responsibility to strengthen collaboration with Italy's public and private sectors and other international partners. It supports Italy's international cooperation priorities within multilateral frameworks, including the G7 and G20, and contributes to development initiatives connected to the Mattei Plan for Africa. The Centre also supports initiatives such as: • Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII). • G7 Adaptation Accelerator Hub. • Digital Flagship for Africa. • AI Hub for Sustainable Development. • Crisis response and recovery programmes. Through these partnerships, the Centre helps connect national priorities with regional and global development programmes, while mobilising resources and partnerships to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. Duties and Responsibilities of the UNDP Climate and Energy Intern The primary responsibility of the successful candidate will be to provide daily operational and technical support to the UNDP Rome Centre's climate and energy portfolio. The intern will work under the guidance and technical supervision of team leaders. They will also collaborate with thematic experts and the Centre's operations lead. The position combines research, project coordination, administrative support, communication and event organisation. The main responsibilities are outlined below. 1. Research and analysis The intern will assist with research on climate and energy issues, contributing to the Centre's work on sustainable development and energy transition. Specific responsibilities include: • Researching sustainable energy solutions. • Exploring renewable energy systems and their applications. • Supporting research on climate change mitigation strategies. • Compiling relevant information and data. • Analysing data for reports, presentations and other programme documents. • Supporting the preparation of research materials for the climate and energy teams. This responsibility will require strong analytical skills, attention to detail and an ability to identify relevant information from different sources. 2. Project coordination support The intern will support the coordination of ongoing activities within the Centre's climate and energy portfolios. Responsibilities include: • Assisting with project preparation activities. • Supporting investment facilitation activities. • Tracking project progress and implementation timelines. • Monitoring project deadlines. • Supporting the coordination of meetings and programme activities. • Assisting with logistics for workshops, meetings and other events. This component will expose the intern to the practical coordination of international development projects and climate-related initiatives. 3. Administrative assistance The successful candidate will also provide administrative support to the Climate and Energy teams. Tasks may include: • Preparing documents and correspondence. • Drafting and organising meeting minutes. • Maintaining digital and physical records. • Supporting the organisation of portfolio documentation. • Helping ensure that administrative information is properly organised and accessible. Strong organisational skills and attention to detail will be important for carrying out these responsibilities. 4. Communication and outreach Communication is another important part of the internship. The intern will contribute to the development of communication materials and support the Centre's engagement with partners and stakeholders. Responsibilities include: • Drafting social media content. • Supporting the preparation of newsletters. • Preparing briefing notes. • Contributing to other communication materials. • Assisting with outreach activities involving partners and stakeholders. Applicants with strong writing, communication and digital content skills may find this aspect of the internship particularly relevant. 5. Event support The intern will assist with organising events connected to climate and energy programmes. These may include: • Workshops. • Webinars. • Meetings. • Other climate and energy-related events. The intern will support logistical and technical arrangements to help ensure that activities are properly organised and delivered. 6. Other assigned responsibilities The intern may also undertake other related duties required to support the effective functioning of the relevant team and the Rome Centre as a whole. Required Competencies and Skills UNDP is looking for applicants who can demonstrate professionalism, integrity, effective communication and a commitment to the organisation's values. The vacancy identifies corporate competencies and professional skills that candidates should possess. Corporate competencies Applicants should demonstrate: • Integrity and commitment to the United Nations' values and ethical standards. • Understanding of and commitment to UNDP's vision, mission and strategic goals. • Cultural, gender, religious, racial, national and age sensitivity. • Ability to work fairly with people from different backgrounds. • Respect

• Undergraduate or postgraduate student or recent graduate • English language proficiency (required) • Italian language (desired) • Interest in climate action, renewable energy, sustainable development, climate finance or international development • Background or interest in public policy, political science, environmental science, climate policy, energy studies, international relations, economics, engineering, marketing or related disciplines • Must indicate preferred working arrangement (office-based in Rome or home-based) in application • Must indicate availability period and location of residence during internship in application