Intern (Energy Systems and Industrial Decarbonization)

​​Requisition ID: 7646
Grade: Intern
Category: Internship
Employment Type: NonStaff-Regular
Country: Austria
Duty Station: Vienna
Entry Date: As soon as possible
Internship Duration: 3-6 months
Application Deadline: 20-Jul-2026, 11:59 PM (Vienna, Austria time)

Vacancy Announcement

UNIDO welcomes applications from qualified persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to applicants and employees with disabilities to support full participation in the recruitment process and in the performance of their duties.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty and hunger reduction, inclusive and fair globalization and environmental sustainability. The mission UNIDO, as described in the Lima Declaration adopted at the fifteenth session of the UNIDO General Conference in 2013, the Abu Dhabi Declaration adopted at the eighteenth session of UNIDO General Conference in 2019 as well as the Riyadh Declaration adopted at the twenty-first session of UNIDO General Conference in 2025, is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development in Member States. The relevance of this mission as an integrated approach to all three pillars of sustainable development is recognized by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will frame United Nations and country efforts towards sustainable development. UNIDO’s mandate is fully recognized in SDG-9, which calls to “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”. The relevance of inclusive and sustainable industrial development, however, applies to all SDGs.

The medium-term programme framework (MTPF) 2026 - 2029 is UNIDO’s core strategic document and it is in line with UNIDO’s Vision 2050. It sets a renewed vision to support Member States and shape their industries for development. The priorities include fair and sustainable global and regional supply chains, ending hunger through innovation and local value addition, renewable and clean energy, sustainable energy access and climate action. Cross-cutting priorities focus on industrial and economic policy advice, skills development, fostering digitalization and artificial intelligence, gender equality and the empowerment of women, supporting youth, promoting cleaner production and circular economy, and leveraging private sector investment and development finance.

Each of these programmatic fields of activity contains a number of individual programmes, which are implemented in a holistic manner to achieve effective outcomes and impacts through UNIDO’s four enabling functions: (i) technical cooperation; (ii) analytical and research functions and policy advisory services; (iii) normative functions and standards-related activities; and (iv) convening and fostering partnerships for knowledge and technology transfer, investment mobilization, networking and industrial cooperation. Such core functions are carried out in Divisions/Offices in its Headquarters, Sub-regional Offices and Country Offices.

Under the overall direction of the Director General, and in close collaboration with all relevant organizational entities within UNIDO, the Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS), headed by a Managing Director, ensures the Organization's application of strategies and interventions for sustainable industrial development related to environment, energy, Micro, Small and Medium-Enterprises (MSMEs), and digitalization. The Directorate also oversees the Organization's normative contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through industrial policy advice and capacity development. Through coordination in-house and with Member States and industry stakeholders, it ensures that the services provided in these areas contribute to effective and appropriate technical, business and policy solutions and are focused on results, scaling up and positioning UNIDO as a leading platform for industrial development in developing countries and global fora.

The Division of Energy and Climate Action (TCS/ECA) assists Member States in the transition to low-carbon and climate resilient economies through the promotion of renewable energy, energy efficiency solutions and breakthrough technologies in industry and other key sectors, diversifying supply chains for renewable energy manufacturing and stimulating innovation to address critical climate and energy related challenges. The Division assists governments in fulfilling national commitments under the Paris Agreement and progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, thereby facilitating a just transition towards sustainable industrialization. In transitioning to a low-carbon and climate resilient economies, the challenges of addressing energy poverty and climate change are an integral part of the Division's activities, as is the dissemination of policies, knowledge and technologies and pathways to plan, manage and finance the energy transitions and climate action for industrial transformation. It collaborates closely on converging issues with IET/CTP and TCS/CMP.

The position is located under the Energy Systems and Industrial Decarbonization Unit (TCS/ECA/ESD) promotes the emergence, deployment and large-scale adoption of sustainable energy technologies to drive the decarbonization of energy systems and industrial processes. It supports Member States to charter pathways for net zero industrial development through the development of conducive policies. It also promotes the deployment of crosscutting energy efficiency solutions, electrification and carbon management of industrial processes in large and small-scale industries. It charters norms and standards for reporting embodied carbon in products and supports member states in developing the reporting and verification structures to support compliance with global standards

PROJECT CONTEXT

This internship will be funded by project Decarbonization and sustainable cities for a net-zero future in Malaysia (SAP ID: 230257)

This GEF-funded project supports integrated urban planning, innovative financing, and technology deployment to advance sustainable, climate-resilient, and net-zero carbon cities in Malaysia. Implemented by UNIDO in collaboration with national and local partners, the project focuses on the pilot cities of Cyberjaya, Shah Alam, and Klang in Selangor State. The initiative addresses challenges related to rising greenhouse gas emissions, rapid urbanization, biodiversity loss, and limited financing for green technologies and resilient urban infrastructure. Key interventions include promoting sustainable mobility, nature-based solutions, and integrated urban planning, as well as developing climate finance mechanisms and policy support frameworks. The project also strengthens institutional capacities and stakeholder coordination through knowledge sharing, technical assistance, and demonstration activities that showcase scalable, replicable solutions for urban decarbonization and sustainable development in Malaysia.

GENERIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Intern shall work under the direct supervision of an officer designated by the TCS/ECA/ESD and shall be engaged as follows:

1. Exposed to the regular core functions of the TCS/ECA/ESD, and as such shall have the opportunity to observe the day-to-day operations and engage in on-the-job training in specific actions delegated by the Supervisor.

1. Engaged in a specific self-contained assignment described below:

• The Intern will be required to prepare an end-of-internship report, which will be submitted to and cleared by HRM. MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS Education: Enrolled in a second level university degree programme (master's or equivalent) or higher; or begin the internship within one year of completing a second level university degree; or be enrolled in the final academic year of a first degree programme (bachelor's or equivalent); or begin the internship within one year of completing a first level university degree. Only accredited institutions will be considered. Field of specialization: Smart Cities and/or Urban Studies Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset. Other skills: Familiarity with AI/digital tools TERMS AND CONDITIONS CORE COMPETENCIES Core Values Excellence – Deliver high-quality results; continuously improve performance Integrity – Uphold ethical standards; act transparently and responsibly Inclusion – Promote respect, diversity, and fairness Humility – Show self-awareness; value others’ contributions Humanity – Act with compassion; align work with sustainable development Core Behaviors Connect & Collaborate - Build trust through communication and teamwork; Share knowledge and embrace diversity Analyse & Plan - Use data and evidence for decision-making; Plan proactively and prioritize effectively Deliver Results with Positive Impact - Take ownership and deliver quality outputs; Align work with UNIDO mission and objectives Learn and Develop - Continuously develop skills; Seek feedback and share knowledge Adapt and Innovate - Respond flexibly to change; Embrace innovation and new approaches Functional Competence Continuously develop and maintain expertise Stay informed of industry trends and best practices Apply knowledge to improve results and decision-making Adopt new tools and technologies Take ownership of professional development LEARNING ELEMENTS Become acquainted with the most up-to-date technical, economic and industrial developments in the relevant field of specialization of the TCS/ECA/ESD. Furthermore, intern is expected to deepen their knowledge in the fields of new product/services and process design. Gain experience in sustainable urban development, climate policy analysis, and project implementation support. On the job training: participation in every phase of the working process. Gain experience in working effectively in a diverse and multi-cultural environment.
  UNIDO Interns are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity at all times, both at work and outside. Only candidates who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for internships at UNIDO.
  All applications must be submitted through the UNIDO Online Recruitment System.
  Correspondence will be undertaken only with candidates who are being considered at an advanced phase of the selection process.
  Visit the UNIDO employment website for details on how to apply: www.careers.unido.org
  Notice to applicants:
  UNIDO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. If you have received a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Vacant positions within UNIDO are advertised on the official UNIDO website. Should you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of UNIDO and requesting payment of a fee, please contact: internship@unido.org
  • The Intern will support the implementation of the GEF-8 Sustainable Cities Integrated Programme (SCIP) in Malaysia and contribute to the development of new country concepts under the GEF-9 SCIP. The Intern will support research and technical analysis on urban-industrial decarbonization, sustainable cities, and climate finance; support the preparation of presentations and knowledge products; and assist with stakeholder consultations.
  • As a specific assignment, the Intern will contribute to developing an AI-enhanced diagnostic framework for the City-Industry Climate Nexus, supporting a UNIDO white paper on urban-industrial decarbonization. This will include contributions to the identification and assessment of indicators and datasets, and to the development of a proof-of-concept analytical framework to identify decarbonization opportunities and inform climate action planning.
  1. Other special emerging projects that may enhance the learning experience of the Intern.
  • Internships at UNIDO are full-time and shall be for a period of three to six months. For internships fully sponsored through partner institutions, the maximum duration shall be twelve months, subject to prior HRM agreement. Extensions beyond the initially agreed duration are not permitted.
  • Interns receive a monthly stipend based on their duty station.
  • Interns are responsible for living expenses, accommodation, visas, and related costs.