The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is offering a highly impactful remote internship opportunity under its Health Practice Area within the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support. The Climate and Health Internship is designed for graduate students, final-year undergraduate students, and recent graduates seeking professional exposure in global health, climate policy, sustainable development, and environmental governance. This full-time, home-based internship provides interns with the opportunity to contribute to international policy research, climate-health initiatives, air pollution analysis, and strategic preparations for major global conferences and health governance engagements. About UNDP and Its Global Development Mandate The United Nations Development Programme serves as the leading UN agency focused on sustainable development and the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Operating across global, regional, and national levels, UNDP combines policy expertise, research, and technical support to address complex development challenges. Under the UNDP Strategic Plan 2026–2029, the organisation prioritises: Sustainable and inclusive development Climate resilience and environmental sustainability Effective governance systems Digital transformation and innovation Public health and social equity UNDP collaborates extensively with governments, international institutions, civil society, academia, and the private sector to strengthen sustainable health systems and climate-responsive development strategies. Internship Overview and Key Information The Climate and Health Internship is a short-term but intensive professional development opportunity that combines environmental policy, public health research, and climate governance. Position Details Position Title: Climate and Health Intern Organisation: UNDP Location: Remote/Home-Based Duty Station Reference: New York, United States Contract Duration: 3 Months Employment Type: Full-Time Internship Practice Area: Health Application Deadline: 29 May 2026 The internship supports UNDP’s HIV and Health Pillar, particularly within projects focused on climate change, air pollution, biodiversity, and pandemic preparedness. Strategic Focus Areas of the Internship The internship addresses the growing intersection between climate change and public health. Climate-related risks increasingly affect: Respiratory diseases Heat-related mortality Food insecurity Mental health Air pollution exposure Pandemic risks linked to biodiversity loss UNDP’s climate-health initiatives seek to strengthen: National adaptation plans Climate financing strategies Low-emission development frameworks Pandemic preparedness systems Environmental health governance The internship therefore offers direct exposure to globally significant policy and sustainability challenges. Primary Duties and Responsibilities The selected intern will support multiple research and policy initiatives involving climate, air quality, and health systems. Air Pollution and Climate Research Responsibilities include: Conducting data analysis on: Air pollution Black carbon emissions Climate-health risk factors in South Africa Identifying: Emission hotspots Sectoral mitigation opportunities Public health protection strategies Policy Brief Development The intern will: Lead drafting of analytical policy briefs Support low-emission development strategies Contribute to Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) implementation efforts Investment Case Research Additional responsibilities include: Supporting research on ambient air pollution investment frameworks Assisting with evidence generation for climate-health financing priorities Global Conference and Partnership Support The intern will contribute to preparations for: UNFCCC COP31 CBD COP17 UN High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response (PPPR) This includes: Stakeholder coordination Research support Drafting policy materials Monitoring global developments Knowledge Products and Communications The role also involves: Drafting and editing reports Supporting communication materials Conducting country-specific desk research Preparing end-of-internship presentations for UNDP colleagues Required Skills and Competencies UNDP seeks candidates with strong analytical, research, and communication capabilities. Preferred competencies include: Excellent research and academic writing skills Data analysis and presentation abilities Professional communication and teamwork skills Cultural sensitivity and adaptability Integrity and ethical professionalism Strong computer literacy and willingness to learn new digital tools Editing and policy drafting experience are considered strong advantages. Educational Requirements and Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet one of the following conditions: Be currently enrolled in a graduate programme Be in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree Have graduated within the previous year Relevant academic disciplines include: Public Health International Studies Public Policy Development Studies Environmental Science Climate Policy Related social science or scientific fields Applicants are required to clearly state: University name Academic status Field of study Expected or completed graduation date Applications lacking academic details will not be considered. Experience and Technical Requirements Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate prior academic or professional exposure in relevant areas. Preferred experience includes: Health and development research Data analysis and interpretation Academic writing and policy drafting Climate or environmental research Office software and digital collaboration tools Candidates with experience in infographic creation and analytical presentation tools may have an added advantage. Internship Conditions and Administrative Requirements Although interns are not classified as UNDP staff members, they operate under official UNDP administrative authority and professional standards. Important conditions include: Interns receive a monthly stipend Health and life insurance are mandatory Interns are responsible for passport and visa arrangements where applicable Confidentiality obligations must be strictly observed The internship does not guarantee future employment within UNDP Shortlisted candidates will later provide: Academic transcripts University confirmation letters Recommendation letters Medical documentation UNDP’s Commitment to Diversity and Ethical Standards UNDP maintains strong institutional commitments to: Diversity Equity Inclusion Non-discrimination The organisation encourages applications from: Marginalised populations Underrepresented communities Diverse cultural and social backgrounds UNDP also enforces a zero-tolerance policy regarding: Sexual harassment Exploitation and abuse Discrimination Abuse of authority All selected applicants undergo comprehensive background checks. Conclusion: A Valuable Opportunity in Climate and Global Health Policy The UNDP Climate and Health Internship provides emerging professionals with exceptional exposure to international climate-health governance, environmental policy analysis, and sustainable development programming. Through active participation in climate research, pandemic preparedness initiatives, and global policy coordination, interns gain practical experience relevant to careers in international development, environmental governance, public health, and multilateral institutions. For candidates passionate about climate action, health equity, and sustainable global development, this internship offers a strong platform for professional growth and meaningful contribution to international policy work. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.