IOC Sustainability Trainee Internship 2026 in Switzerland: Launch Your Global Sustainability Career with the International Olympic Committee

If you are a recent graduate passionate about sustainability, climate action, and creating a positive global impact through sport, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is offering an exciting opportunity to begin your international career. Applications are now open for the IOC Sustainability Trainee Internship, a 12-month full-time traineeship based in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Hosted within the Olympic Games Department, this internship provides young professionals with the opportunity to contribute to sustainability initiatives that support one of the world’s most recognized international organizations. As the guardian of the Olympic Games and the leader of the Olympic Movement, the IOC works with stakeholders across the globe to promote sustainable development, environmental responsibility, and social impact through sport.

Successful candidates will work alongside experienced sustainability professionals while contributing to projects related to climate action, biodiversity, circular economy practices, sustainable procurement, and international partnerships. This is an outstanding opportunity for graduates seeking practical experience within a multicultural environment while helping shape the future of sustainable sport.

About the International Olympic Committee

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is an independent international organization responsible for overseeing the Olympic Games and promoting Olympic values worldwide. Beyond organizing the world’s largest sporting event, the IOC collaborates with governments, international organizations, National Olympic Committees, International Federations, athletes, and global partners to promote peace, inclusion, education, sustainability, and development through sport.

The IOC maintains partnerships with organizations such as:

• United Nations (UN)
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
• International Federations
• National Olympic Committees
• Worldwide Olympic Partners

Working at the IOC offers employees exposure to a truly international environment with colleagues representing more than 70 nationalities, making it one of the most diverse organizations in global sport.

About the Sustainability Trainee Role

The Sustainability Trainee will become part of the IOC Sustainability Team within the Olympic Games Department and will support the implementation of projects aligned with the IOC Sustainability Strategy.

The internship provides hands-on experience in planning, coordinating, monitoring, and delivering sustainability initiatives that influence not only the IOC as an organization but also the Olympic Games and the wider Olympic Movement.

This role is ideal for graduates who wish to combine their passion for environmental sustainability with sport, international development, and project management.

Key Responsibilities

As a Sustainability Trainee, you will support numerous sustainability initiatives across different areas.

Your responsibilities will include:

Climate and Environmental Sustainability

• Support projects related to climate action and climate adaptation.
• Contribute to biodiversity initiatives.
• Assist with sustainable procurement activities.
• Support circular economy projects across the Olympic Movement.

Partnership Support

Collaborate with sustainability partnerships including:

• Sport for Climate Action Framework
• Sport for Nature Framework

Event Coordination

Assist in organizing sustainability-related meetings and events involving:

• International Federations
• National Olympic Committees
• IOC Commercial Partners
• UNEP
• IUCN
• UNFCCC
• Other institutional partners

Tasks may include:

• Preparing invitations
• Coordinating logistics
• Creating presentations
• Facilitating meetings
• Following up on action items

Reporting and Project Monitoring

The trainee will also:

• Prepare sustainability reports.
• Develop dashboards measuring sustainability progress.
• Support carbon footprint reporting.
• Assist with procurement sustainability reporting.

Project Management

The successful candidate will help coordinate flagship initiatives including:

• IOC Climate Action Awards
• Athlete Sustainability Ambassador Programme

In addition, the trainee will provide support for cross-functional sustainability projects across various IOC departments.

What You Will Gain

Working at the IOC provides far more than technical experience.

Benefits include:

• Twelve months of international professional experience.
• Opportunity to work at IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.
• Exposure to global sustainability strategies.
• Practical experience managing international projects.
• Collaboration with leading sustainability experts.
• Experience working with United Nations agencies.
• Networking with professionals from more than 70 countries.
• Flexible and rewarding work environment.
• Competitive employee benefits.
• Health and wellness initiatives.
• Opportunity to contribute to global climate action through sport.
• Professional growth within one of the world’s most prestigious international organizations.

Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

• A Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in Sustainability, Sustainable Development, Environmental Studies, or a related discipline.
• Approximately one year of professional experience in sustainability or a similar field.
• Fluency in English.
• French or another language is considered an advantage.
• Strong Microsoft 365 skills including:
  • Word
  • Excel
  • PowerPoint
  • Outlook
• Understanding of sustainability principles.
• Knowledge of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Familiarity with LinkedIn and other social media platforms.

Desired Skills and Personal Attributes

The IOC is looking for candidates who demonstrate:

• Reliability and professionalism.
• Excellent planning and organizational abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Critical thinking.
• Initiative and proactive problem-solving.
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments.
• Excellent teamwork skills.
• Respect for diversity and inclusion.
• Commitment to ethical conduct.
• Passion for sustainability and the Olympic values.

Why You Should Apply

The IOC Sustainability Trainee Internship is one of the most prestigious early-career opportunities available in sustainability and international sport. It offers graduates the chance to work on projects with global environmental significance while collaborating with leading organizations such as UNEP and UNFCCC.

Beyond gaining practical experience, trainees become part of the Olympic Movement, helping deliver initiatives that contribute to climate action, biodiversity conservation, sustainable procurement, and environmental leadership across international sport.

Whether your long-term ambition is to work with international organizations, the United Nations, NGOs, governments, or sustainability consulting firms, this traineeship provides exceptional exposure and career-building opportunities.

Application Deadline

No specific application deadline has been announced.

Applications are currently open, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible due to the high level of international competition.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official International Olympic Committee careers portal.

Learn more about this internship opportunity here

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