The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is offering a six-month circular economy internship in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Master’s students and recent graduates can apply by 22 October 2026.
Background & Job Description
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting applications for its Circular Economy Operationalisation Internship in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. This six-month opportunity is designed for postgraduate students and recent graduates interested in environmental management, sustainable development, engineering and resource efficiency.
The internship supports the implementation of Côte d’Ivoire’s Circular Transition Initiative, which includes the development of a national circular economy transition plan for 2026–2035, mapping circular economy stakeholders and preparing projects to improve resource recovery and sustainability.
The successful intern will provide technical support to UNDP and the Circular Economy Unit of the Prime Minister’s Office. The work will involve analysing resource flows, supporting project development, managing environmental data and assessing sustainability indicators.
Applications close on 22 October 2026.
Programme Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) |
| Internship | Circular Economy Operationalisation |
| Location | Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Employment type | Full-time internship |
| Practice area | Inclusive Growth |
| Bureau | Regional Bureau for Africa |
| Required languages | French and English |
| Education | Master’s-level study or a recently completed master’s degree |
| Remuneration | Unpaid |
| Application deadline | 22 October 2026 |
| Official application | UNDP Careers |
Tasks and Internship Benefits
The intern will support projects aimed at improving waste management, recovering valuable resources and developing sustainable production practices.
Key responsibilities include analysing priority resource streams such as plastics, agricultural residues, construction materials and electronic equipment. The intern will also help assess collection, sorting and recycling technologies, as well as technical and regulatory challenges.
Additional responsibilities include supporting project documentation, updating national circular economy data, calculating environmental indicators, preparing technical reports and participating in field visits and stakeholder meetings.
The internship provides an opportunity to gain practical experience in sustainable development, environmental analysis and international development cooperation while working with UNDP and national institutions.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Applicants must meet one of the following educational requirements:
- Be currently enrolled in a master’s degree programme or higher.
- Have completed a master’s degree or equivalent qualification less than one year before applying.
Relevant fields of study include:
- Environmental management.
- Process management.
- Civil engineering.
- Energy engineering.
- Rural engineering or agricultural engineering.
- Environmental sciences or a related discipline.
Essential Skills
Candidates should have strong analytical and technical problem-solving skills, the ability to interpret data and an interest in circular economy initiatives, resource management or energy transition.
Proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office is required. Knowledge of QGIS or ArcGIS, material flow analysis, life-cycle assessment, Python or R is considered an advantage.
Language requirements: French proficiency is required, while a good understanding of English is desirable, particularly for technical documentation. Knowledge of other United Nations languages is an additional advantage.
Additional Information
The UNDP Circular Economy Operationalisation Internship is a six-month, full-time placement in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The internship is unpaid. According to the vacancy announcement, living expenses and internship-related costs must be covered by the sponsoring entity or the intern. Candidates are responsible for arranging their travel, visas, accommodation and required health insurance.
Interns must also meet the organisation’s applicable administrative requirements. The announcement notes that interns are not UNDP staff members and cannot officially represent the organisation.
How to apply: Visit the official UNDP Careers website and search for “Stagiaire en Opérationnalisation de l’économie circulaire”, vacancy identification 37458. Review the complete announcement and submit your application before the deadline.
The listed closing time is 1:59 a.m. on 22 October 2026. Applicants should check the official vacancy page to confirm the applicable time zone and submission requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the UNDP Circular Economy Internship?
It is a six-month internship supporting circular economy projects, environmental data analysis and sustainable resource management in Côte d’Ivoire.
2. Where is the internship located?
The placement is based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
3. Is the UNDP internship paid?
No. The vacancy states that the internship is unpaid. Living expenses and related costs must be covered by the intern or sponsoring entity.
4. Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be enrolled in a master’s programme or higher, or have completed a master’s degree or equivalent less than one year before applying.
5. Which fields of study are relevant?
Environmental management, process management, civil engineering, energy engineering, rural or agricultural engineering, environmental sciences and related disciplines.
6. Are French and English required?
French proficiency is required. A good understanding of English is desirable, particularly for technical documentation.
7. What technical skills are advantageous?
Excel and Microsoft Office proficiency are required. GIS software, material flow analysis, life-cycle assessment, Python and R are advantageous.
8. What is the application deadline?
The advertised deadline is 22 October 2026 at 1:59 a.m. Applicants should confirm the applicable time zone on the official vacancy page.
9. How long does the internship last?
The internship lasts six months and is expected to be full-time, with some flexibility permitted for educational programmes.
10. How can I apply?
Visit the UNDP Careers website and search for vacancy 37458, titled “Stagiaire en Opérationnalisation de l’économie circulaire.”
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This internship may suit postgraduate students and recent graduates looking to gain practical experience in environmental sustainability, circular economy projects and international development. Candidates should pay particular attention to the French language requirement and the fact that the placement is unpaid.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares career and educational opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with UNDP and does not recruit on the organisation’s behalf. Applicants should verify the eligibility requirements, funding arrangements and application instructions through the official vacancy announcement.
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