CFA 2026/001 - Internship - Climate Action

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

The Internship Programme aims at attracting talented students and graduates who have a specific interest in, or whose studies have covered, areas relevant to IOM programmes and activities. Interns must be between 20 and 36 years old and should have less than two years of relevant working experience.

In general, the Internship Programme aims at attracting talented students and graduates who:

a) have a specific interest in, or whose studies have covered, areas relevant to IOM programmes and activities;

b) are holding a scholarship for internship placements in international organizations and/or for whom internship is required to complete their studies; or

c) are sponsored by governmental/non governmental institutions and/or academia to work in specific areas relevant to both IOM and the sponsor.

d) are either enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent) or have graduated in the last 12 months.

e) are between 20 and 36 years of age.

Background Information

The Climate Action Regional Thematic Unit (CAD RTU) operates under the Deputy Regional Director for Operations to provide thematic expertise and guidance on the implementation of the IOM Strategic Plan. The CAD RTU acts as an extension of the Climate Action Division in IOM Headquarters (HQ) in the Regional Office (RO), supporting Country Office (CO) operations, programmes, and initiatives, as well as advocating IOM’s strategic position related to Climate Action. This support includes oversight, quality assurance, and technical backstopping, as needed. Furthermore, the CAD RTU and other Regional Thematic Units (RTUs) collaborate to provide evidence-based thought leadership to both internal and external stakeholders as part of regional and national efforts to save lives and protect people on the move, drive solutions to displacement, and facilitate regular pathways for migration. Broadly, the CAD RTU works to identify opportunities and risks at the regional and national level, in collaboration with IOM HQ and COs. The CAD RTU also acts as a hub for knowledge and innovation, and promotes policy, data, and research to further IOM’s strategic plan.

Responsibilities

• ​​Support the CAD RTU by researching regional climate risks, policy developments, and emerging thematic issues to inform guidance notes, training materials, and internal analyses.
• ​Contribute to the preparation of training materials, presentations, and knowledge products; assist in organizing webinars, workshops, and regional learning events.
• ​Assist the CAD RTU in preparing background materials, compiling regional inputs, and coordinating information from COs to support IOM’s engagement in the Convention on Biological Diversity 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17 and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31).
• ​Support tracking project progress, compiling updates, and ensuring activities align with CAD’s goals.
• ​Prepare talking points, briefs, background notes, and presentation inputs for meetings, conferences, and partner engagements related to climate action.
• Assist in managing incoming requests, coordinating with Country Offices and partners, and supporting the smooth functioning of the Climate Action Unit, including during staff absences.
• ​Support other tasks as necessary.

Training Components and Learning Elements

• The Intern will gain experience working in an international and multicultural environment within the United Nations system, with exposure to regional climate action programming.
• Gain familiarity with key issues and IOM’s work in the region related to climate action and human mobility, including climate adaptation, resilience-building, disaster risk reduction, and human mobility in the context of environmental change.
• Gain understanding and hands-on experience in supporting the implementation and coordination of climate action projects, including those linked to climate adaptation planning, climate finance, urban resilience, and community-based adaptation initiatives.
• Develop specific knowledge on the integration of human mobility into climate and environmental policies, including the role of migration as an adaptation strategy and the operationalization of global and regional frameworks (e.g., UNFCCC processes).
• The learning experience will combine (1) on-the-job training through direct engagement in project development, reporting, and stakeholder coordination, and (2) self-paced learning via IOM’s internal platforms (i‑Learn, e‑Campus), with access to trainings on climate change, environmental sustainability, MECC, and project management.
• The Intern will be invited to participate in relevant internal trainings, technical webinars, and knowledge-sharing sessions organized by the Climate Action unit. Participation in external trainings and events will be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on relevance and sensitivities.