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Internship focused on circular economy roadmaps, requiring English fluency and relevant academic background. International recruitment open to candidates committed to UN values.
Last checked: 1 hour ago
Closing date: Wednesday, 8 July 2026
Country: Austria
Duty station: Vienna, Austria
Contract type: Intern
Grade: Internship Programme
Open to: Internationals
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Requisition ID: 7579
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: 08-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.
The Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS) is responsible for the Division of Industrial Policy Advice and Capacity Development (TCS/IPC), and technical Divisions of Circular Economy and Green Industry (TCS/CEG), Energy and Climate Action (TCS/ECA), Climate Innovation and Montreal Protocol (TCS/CMP); MSME Competitiveness, Quality and Job Creation (TCS/SME); and Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence (TCS/DAI). Leveraging the diverse skill sets of UNIDO personnel and the services provided by the two TC directorates, TCS collaborates closely with IET to develop and implement programmes and projects, aiming at enhancing synergy and complementarity and maximizing UNIDO corporate performance and impacts on the ground. The Directorate also ensures close coordination and collaboration among the Divisions as well as with relevant entities in all Directorates across the Organization.
The Division of Circular Economy and Green Industry (TCS/CEG) promotes just transitions to circular economies, reduced release of pollutants into the environment and other green industrial and economic approaches to help Member States to grow economically while simultaneously addressing the three planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. It promotes circular economy policies, programmes and practices including circular business models that improve the profitability of industries while creating social and environmental benefits. It does so by supporting resource efficiency increases in the manufacturing and use of products along value chains and during the life cycle of the product; by reducing or eliminating the emission of non-fuel-related greenhouse gas emissions; and by assisting in achieving the objectives of and compliance with multilateral environmental agreements. In doing so, its activities further improve competitiveness, as well as the development of and access to markets, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. This contributes to climate-neutral, resilient, pollution-free industrial development, supporting co-existence that is in harmony with nature.
This internship position is located under the Circular Resource Efficiency Unit (TCS/CEG/CRE) is responsible for supporting capacity development to promote the adoption of circular and resource-efficient consumption and production patterns across value chains. It fosters circular economy solutions including policies, programmes, practices, and business models that enhance industry profitability while generating social and environmental benefits. Furthermore, it facilitates design for circularity emphasizing reduced or alternative materials inputs, greater durability, reusability, reparability, and ultimately recyclability. The Unit promotes nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based approaches that support the coexistence of industries and nature.
Interns work under the supervision of a staff member, in the division or office that they are assigned to.
The Intern shall work under the direct supervision of the officer(s) designated by the Director of the Division of Circular Economy and Green Industry and shall be engaged as follows:
a. Exposure to core functions
The Intern shall be exposed to the regular core functions of the Division and, as such, shall have the opportunity to observe day-to-day operations and engage in on-the-job training through specific tasks delegated by the Supervisor, with a focus on circular economy policy and programme development.
b. Assigned tasks and deliverables
The Intern shall contribute to specific, self-contained assignments, including but not limited to:
c. Other activities
The Intern may be involved in other emerging tasks and special projects that contribute to the objectives of the Division and enhance the learning experience, particularly in relation to circular economy strategies and implementation.
The Intern(s) 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: Political Science, Circular Economy, International Relations or Environment
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: Interest or experience in visual design, content development, and outreach in the context of circular economy, sustainability, or resource efficiency
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
CORE VALUES AND BEHAVIORS AND FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCE
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
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
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