UNOPS STEM Trainee Programme 2026 in Nigeria: Paid Internship for Women in Sustainable Energy, Climate Finance and Renewable Energy

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), through Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), is inviting applications for the 2026 STEM Trainee Programme in Nigeria. This six-month internship programme is designed to empower young women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by providing practical experience in sustainable energy, climate finance, policy development, and renewable energy implementation.

The programme offers an exceptional opportunity for women in Nigeria to gain hands-on exposure to one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors while contributing to the global transition toward clean and sustainable energy.

Applications are open until 12 June 2026.

About the UNOPS STEM Trainee Programme

Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), hosted by UNOPS, works globally to accelerate progress toward universal energy access, renewable energy adoption, climate action, and sustainable development.

The STEM Trainee Programme was created to increase women’s participation in the energy sector by providing practical training, professional development opportunities, and direct engagement with clean energy projects.

The initiative recognizes that women remain underrepresented in energy-related careers and decision-making positions despite being disproportionately affected by energy poverty and climate-related challenges.

Through this traineeship, participants will gain valuable technical and professional skills that can help launch successful careers in renewable energy, climate finance, sustainable development, and energy policy.

Why This Programme Matters

The global energy transition requires diverse talent and inclusive leadership.

Women continue to face barriers to entry and advancement within the energy sector. By investing in young women through targeted STEM opportunities, SEforALL seeks to:

• Promote gender equality in the energy sector
• Build a pipeline of female energy professionals
• Strengthen youth participation in sustainable development
• Support climate action and energy access initiatives
• Increase women’s representation in energy decision-making processes
• Develop future leaders in renewable energy and climate finance

What Participants Will Gain

The STEM Trainee Programme combines technical learning, project experience, professional development, and policy engagement.

Participants will benefit from:

Professional Development Training

Trainees will receive structured training in:

• Career development
• Resume and CV writing
• Interview preparation
• Networking skills
• Leadership development
• Professional mentorship
• Communication skills
• Social media engagement

Technical Energy Sector Training

Participants will gain practical knowledge in:

• Sustainable energy systems
• Renewable energy implementation
• Energy access projects
• Climate finance mechanisms
• Gender-responsive energy programming
• Energy project operations
• Site assessment methodologies
• Project monitoring and evaluation
• Data management and reporting

Climate Finance and Financial Modelling

Trainees will learn:

• Financial modelling techniques
• Project bankability assessment
• Capital structures
• Grant financing
• Debt financing
• Equity financing
• Sustainable energy investment mechanisms
• Clean energy financing platforms

Real-World Project Experience

Participants will work alongside:

• Government officials
• Energy sector professionals
• Development partners
• Financial institutions
• Renewable energy experts
• Policy stakeholders

Programme Structure

The six-month traineeship consists of two major components.

1. Virtual Learning and Professional Development

This component focuses on:

• Soft skills training
• Technical capacity building
• Climate finance education
• Professional growth
• Leadership development

2. Practical Technical Experience

Participants will be actively involved in:

• Energy access projects
• Technical implementation activities
• Stakeholder engagement
• Site visits
• Energy audits
• Data collection exercises
• Monitoring activities
• Project coordination

Key Responsibilities of STEM Trainees

Technical Support and Operations

Trainees will:

• Support implementation of energy projects
• Assist in coordinating project activities
• Participate in stakeholder meetings
• Conduct energy-related field activities
• Support site assessments and audits

Sustainable Energy Finance Platform Support

Participants will:

• Validate project information
• Support financing platform operations
• Assist in training development
• Support knowledge-sharing activities
• Help monitor financing commitments

Monitoring and Data Analysis

Responsibilities include:

• Conducting market research
• Collecting project data
• Supporting project monitoring
• Analysing energy sector information
• Preparing reports and insights

Climate Finance, Policy and Advocacy

Trainees will:

• Support policy advocacy efforts
• Engage with energy stakeholders
• Learn about climate finance mechanisms
• Promote sustainable energy financing
• Participate in awareness campaigns

Communications and Social Media

Participants will:

• Develop digital content
• Promote project visibility
• Support advocacy campaigns
• Create social media materials
• Produce awareness content

Skills Participants Will Develop

The programme emphasizes building competencies in:

• Academic writing
• Report writing
• Data analysis
• Energy policy
• Problem solving
• Stakeholder engagement
• Project management
• Communication
• Digital advocacy
• Research methodologies

Previous Programme Success

SEforALL has successfully implemented similar traineeship programmes in:

• Ghana
• Kenya
• Panama
• Sierra Leone
• Tanzania

These initiatives have helped young women build careers in sustainable energy while contributing to national and global development priorities.

About Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL)

Founded in 2011 by former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Sustainable Energy for All is a global organization dedicated to accelerating progress toward:

• Universal energy access
• Renewable energy deployment
• Energy efficiency
• Climate action
• Sustainable development

The organization works with governments, development partners, private sector actors, and civil society organizations worldwide.

Why You Should Apply

This internship offers a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of:

• Sustainable energy
• Climate finance
• Renewable energy
• Public policy
• International development
• Gender equality
• Youth empowerment

Participants will gain practical experience, build professional networks, and develop skills that are increasingly in demand across the global energy sector.

For women interested in contributing to climate solutions while building a meaningful career, this traineeship provides an excellent foundation.

Application Deadline

12 June 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.

Apply Here 

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