The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) Geneva Internship Program provides students at Swiss universities with an exceptional opportunity to acquire practical experience in sustainable development. Interns work alongside experts on international projects and policy research at IISD’s Geneva office, engaging with areas such as Economic Law and Policy, Energy, Resilience, Communications, and more.
Timeline:
- Winter Intake: January to April 2025 (apply by November 1, 2024)
- Spring/Summer Intake: May to August 2025 (apply by March 1, 2025)
- Fall Intake: September to December 2025 (apply by June 1, 2025)
Key Internship Areas:
- Economic Law and Policy (ELP): Interns collaborate with teams focusing on investment, trade, taxation, and sustainability standards, contributing to international processes like the World Trade Organization (WTO) and United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).
- Energy: Interns support projects aimed at shifting public and private financial flows from fossil fuels to clean energy, working through platforms like the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
- Resilience: The Resilience Team helps countries manage climate risks through National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), including the Nature for Climate Adaptation Initiative, with a focus on nature-based, socially inclusive solutions.
- Communications: Interns assist in developing outreach materials, managing social media platforms, and planning communications strategies targeting global stakeholders, including policy-makers, international organizations, and the media.
- Project Management & Monitoring: Interns contribute to overseeing project operations, including budgeting, reporting, and tracking progress toward deliverables, working closely with IISD’s Monitoring and Evaluation team.
Internship Structure:
- Duration: January to April 2025 (minimum 3 months, maximum 4 months)
- Hours: 15 hours/week during the term; up to 40 hours/week during vacations
- Application Deadline: November 1, 2024
- Location: IISD Geneva office
Eligibility Requirements:
- Enrolled in a master’s or Ph.D. program at a Swiss university.
- The internship must be part of the university curriculum and count toward academic credits.
- Fluency in English (additional language skills in French or Spanish are advantageous).
- A valid Swiss residence permit (student B permit, regular B permit, or C permit) or Swiss citizenship.
Application Process:
Interested candidates must submit:
- A cover letter (specifying which IISD Geneva program you wish to join and why).
- A CV (both in English).
Additional consideration will be given to those with relevant academic or professional experience.
Diversity and Inclusion:
IISD encourages applicants from historically marginalized groups and offers reasonable accommodation in the recruitment process.
Internship Perks:
- Allowance: A monthly public transport pass and a per diem for meals.
- Work Experience: Research, communications, and event management, among other tasks, under the supervision of a dedicated IISD mentor.
For more information on the program, including FAQs and former intern experiences, please visit IISD’s official website.