Looking for a paid climate change internship in the UK? Applications are now open for the Living Lands Charter Internships (x2) at the Commonwealth Secretariat, offering young professionals the opportunity to work on global climate, biodiversity, and sustainable land management initiatives.
This six-month internship provides hands-on experience within an international policy environment while supporting implementation of the Commonwealth Living Lands Charter, a major global commitment adopted at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kigali, Rwanda.
About the Living Lands Charter Internship
The Living Lands Charter Internship sits within the Climate Change Section of the Climate Change and Oceans Division at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London.
The Commonwealth Living Lands Charter was adopted in June 2022 and represents a shared commitment by all 56 Commonwealth member countries to:
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Address climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation
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Promote climate-resilient and sustainable land management
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Strengthen global collaboration on environmental protection
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Support inclusive and evidence-based policy solutions
Interns will gain exposure to international development, environmental governance, and climate policy while contributing to real-world initiatives impacting countries across the Commonwealth.
Internship Details
Position: Living Lands Charter Intern (2 positions)
Duration: 6 months
Location: London, United Kingdom
Salary: £498.60 per week
Organisation: Commonwealth Secretariat
This internship offers a professional international environment where selected candidates will build networks, develop technical skills, and gain valuable experience in climate and environmental policy.
Key Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Adviser – Climate Change, interns will:
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Support research across key Living Lands Charter themes including:
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Agriculture
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Water and soil conservation
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Climate and health
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Biodiversity and green development
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Indigenous peoples and sustainable land use
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Monitor media and academic developments related to climate change and land management
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Help promote awareness and visibility of the Living Lands Charter
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Support updates to databases and the Living Lands micro-website
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Contribute to policy and governance research related to climate and biodiversity financing and capacity building
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, candidates must:
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Be 20–30 years old
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Be currently enrolled in or undertaking a postgraduate degree in:
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Agriculture
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Biodiversity
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Ecology
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Animal Science
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Soil Science
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Or a related field
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Be a citizen of a Commonwealth country
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Have the right to live and work in the UK for the full internship duration
Why Apply?
This internship is ideal for young professionals seeking experience in:
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Climate change policy
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Sustainable land management
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Environmental research and governance
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International development and diplomacy
Benefits include:
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Weekly stipend (£498.60)
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Exposure to global climate and biodiversity initiatives
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Professional networking opportunities
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Experience within an international intergovernmental organisation
About the Commonwealth Secretariat
The Commonwealth Secretariat is the intergovernmental organisation that supports member countries to achieve the Commonwealth’s aims of development, democracy and peace.
Members:
- are a voice for small and vulnerable states
- champion young people
- promote justice and human rights
- address threats like climate change, debt and inequality
- help grow economies and boost trade
- support decision-makers to make good laws and deliver policies
- help strengthen governance and build inclusive public institutions
- provide technical help and training
- send experts and observers to countries to give impartial advice and help solve national problems
- provide systems, software and research for managing resources.
Commonwealth Member Countries (56):
Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Cameroon, Canada, Cyprus, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Kingdom, Vanuatu, Zambia.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit:
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A CV
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A cover letter addressing key criteria in the person specification with clear examples
Supporting documents include:
If you are passionate about climate action, biodiversity, and sustainable development, this is an excellent opportunity to gain real-world international experience while contributing to global environmental solutions.
Early applications are strongly encouraged.