Apply for the UNDP BES-Net II Research Internship in Windhoek, Namibia. This six-month opportunity offers experience in biodiversity conservation, GIS mapping, invasive species research and environmental policy. Applications close October 19, 2026.
Background & Job Description
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting applications for the BES-Net II Research Intern position in Windhoek, Namibia. This six-month internship focuses on biodiversity conservation, invasive alien species management and environmental research.
The internship forms part of the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Network Phase II (BES-Net II), implemented by UNDP in collaboration with UNEP-WCMC and UNESCO.
The selected intern will support research into previous efforts to control invasive cacti, helping build a geospatial database and assess the effectiveness of historical mechanical and biological control methods. The findings will help strengthen biodiversity management, ecological restoration and evidence-based environmental policymaking in Namibia.
The role also involves collaboration with the Biodiversity Research Centre at the Namibia University of Science and Technology and the National Botanical Research Institute.
Internship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) |
| Programme | BES-Net II |
| Position | BES-Net II Research Intern |
| Job identification | 37354 |
| Location | Windhoek, Namibia |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Job type | Full-time internship |
| Practice area | Nature, Climate and Energy |
| Relevant fields | Natural Sciences, Ecological Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Biodiversity Conservation or Natural Resource Management |
| Professional experience | No minimum experience required |
| Application deadline | October 19, 2026, at 5:59 a.m., as listed in the vacancy |
Tasks
The research intern will support applied research on invasive cacti and contribute to improving the management of invasive alien species.
Key responsibilities include developing a geospatial database of previous control measures, compiling historical records and preparing maps, GIS layers and related datasets. The intern will also help verify information through stakeholder consultations and field visits where approved.
Additional responsibilities include comparing mechanical and biological control methods, identifying factors affecting their effectiveness and documenting lessons for future restoration and biodiversity management.
The intern will use GIS tools, particularly QGIS, to support mapping and spatial analysis. Other duties include preparing progress reports, producing research summaries and supporting knowledge-sharing activities with UNDP and national research partners.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
Applicants must meet at least one of UNDP’s internship eligibility conditions at the time of application:
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme, such as a master’s degree.
- Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree, such as a bachelor’s degree.
- Have recently graduated from an eligible university degree programme and, if selected, begin the internship within one year of graduation.
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme and undertake the internship as part of that programme.
A degree in Natural Sciences, Ecological Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Biodiversity Conservation, Natural Resource Management or a closely related field is required.
Experience and Skills
No minimum professional experience is required.
Candidates should be interested in biodiversity conservation, environmental research and invasive species management. The work requires the ability to organise research information, analyse data, collaborate with stakeholders and prepare clear reports.
Knowledge of GIS tools, especially QGIS, is relevant to the assignment. Applicants should also demonstrate initiative, attention to detail, adaptability, continuous learning and the ability to work collaboratively.
Additional Information
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by October 19, 2026, at 5:59 a.m., according to the UNDP vacancy listing.
Because this deadline is approaching, applicants should review the official vacancy immediately and confirm the deadline in their local time zone before submitting.
How to Apply
Visit the official UNDP Careers website and search for BESNET II Research Intern, job identification 37354, in Windhoek, Namibia.
Applicants should review the complete vacancy requirements and submit their application through the official recruitment portal.
UNDP warns candidates that it does not charge fees at any stage of its recruitment process.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the UNDP BES-Net II Research Internship?
It is a six-month internship supporting biodiversity research, invasive alien species management and environmental policy work in Namibia.
2. Where is the internship located?
The position is based in Windhoek, Namibia.
3. How long does the internship last?
The advertised duration is six months.
4. Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include students enrolled in postgraduate programmes, students in the final year of a first university degree, recent graduates who meet UNDP’s one-year graduation rule, and participants in eligible postgraduate professional traineeships.
Applicants must have a degree in a relevant natural or environmental science field, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management or a closely related discipline.
5. Is previous work experience required?
No. The advertisement states that no minimum professional experience is required.
6. What technical skills are relevant?
GIS mapping and spatial analysis skills are relevant, particularly experience with QGIS. The work also involves data compilation, research, stakeholder consultation and reporting.
7. What is the application deadline?
The vacancy lists October 19, 2026, at 5:59 a.m. Applicants should check the official portal to confirm the applicable local deadline.
8. Does UNDP charge an application fee?
No. UNDP states that it does not charge fees at any stage of its recruitment process.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The UNDP BES-Net II Research Internship may suit students and recent graduates interested in biodiversity conservation, GIS, environmental research and sustainable development. It offers practical exposure to research that can inform invasive species management and environmental policymaking.
Applicants should confirm that they meet UNDP’s education eligibility requirements and submit their applications before the stated deadline.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares career and educational opportunities for informational purposes. We are not affiliated with UNDP and do not recruit on the organisation’s behalf. Applicants should consult the official UNDP Careers website for authoritative vacancy information.
SEO Keywords: UNDP internship Namibia 2026, BES-Net II Research Intern, UNDP research internship, biodiversity conservation internship, environmental science internships Africa, GIS internship Namibia, QGIS research internship, invasive species research, natural resource management internship, UN careers Namibia, UNDP internship deadline October 2026
