The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is offering a six-month internship in circular economy policy and partnerships 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 Policy and Partnerships Internship in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The six-month internship supports the country’s circular economy transition initiative, which includes the development of a National Circular Economy Transition Plan for 2026–2035, mapping relevant stakeholders and mobilising partners to support circular economy projects.
Interns will work with UNDP and Côte d’Ivoire’s Circular Economy Unit within the Prime Minister’s Office. The opportunity is suited to candidates interested in environmental policy, sustainable development, international cooperation and development financing.
Applications close on 22 October 2026.
Programme Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) |
| Internship | Circular Economy Policy and Partnerships |
| Location | Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Programme area | Inclusive Growth |
| Education | Master’s programme or qualifying recent Master’s graduate |
| Languages | French and English |
| Salary | Unpaid |
| Application deadline | 22 October 2026 |
| Vacancy ID | 37446 |
| Official application | UNDP Careers |
Tasks
The selected intern will support UNDP and its national partners in advancing circular economy policies and projects. Responsibilities include:
- Supporting the finalisation and publication of the National Circular Economy Transition Plan 2026–2035.
- Researching circular economy policies, regulations and economic instruments in Côte d’Ivoire, Africa and internationally.
- Helping develop monitoring and evaluation frameworks, indicators and progress-tracking tools.
- Updating partner databases and identifying relevant funding opportunities.
- Preparing briefing notes, presentations, project documents and meeting reports for government institutions and development partners.
- Supporting the development of project proposals and documents related to the circular economy initiative.
- Assisting with workshops, consultations and stakeholder events.
Skills and Experience
Applicants should demonstrate strong analytical, research and writing abilities. Excellent French writing skills are particularly important, alongside proficiency in English.
Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint is required. Experience with collaboration, project management or data visualisation tools is an advantage.
An interest in circular economy policies, environmental management or development finance is also desirable.
Qualifications (Education and Certification, Experience)
Applicants must meet one of the following education requirements:
- Be currently enrolled in a Master’s degree programme or higher; or
- Have graduated from a Master’s programme or equivalent within the last year.
Relevant fields of study include public policy, international relations, political science, development economics, environmental economics, environmental management or a related discipline.
Candidates should also demonstrate effective communication, organisational skills, initiative, adaptability and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Language requirement: Both French and English are required. Knowledge of additional United Nations languages is an advantage.
Additional Information
The internship lasts six months and is not paid by UNDP. Applicants must secure funding for their living expenses and make arrangements for travel, visas and accommodation. The vacancy states that living costs and internship-related expenses must be covered by the sponsoring entity, so candidates should confirm their funding arrangements before accepting an internship.
Interns must also provide proof of health insurance. They are not UNDP staff members and cannot apply for or be appointed to a UNDP position during the internship period.
Application deadline: 22 October 2026 at 01:59 AM, as listed in the vacancy announcement.
How to apply: Visit the official UNDP Careers website and search for vacancy 37446, titled Stagiaire : Politiques et partenariats pour l’économie circulaire. Review the full requirements and submit your application before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the UNDP Circular Economy Policy and Partnerships Internship?
It is a six-month internship in Abidjan that supports circular economy policy development, stakeholder engagement, research and project financing initiatives in Côte d’Ivoire.
2. Where is the internship based?
The internship is based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
3. Who can apply?
Applicants must be enrolled in a Master’s programme or higher, or have completed a qualifying Master’s degree within the past year. Relevant fields include public policy, international relations, economics and environmental management.
4. Is the UNDP internship paid?
No. The internship is unpaid by UNDP. Applicants must arrange funding for living expenses and other internship-related costs through a sponsoring entity or other appropriate means.
5. Are French and English required?
Yes. Both languages are required, and strong French writing skills are particularly important.
6. What is the application deadline?
The vacancy lists 22 October 2026 at 01:59 AM as the application closing time.
7. How long does the internship last?
The internship lasts six months.
8. How can I apply?
Visit the UNDP Careers website and search for vacancy ID 37446.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This UNDP internship may suit Master’s students and recent graduates seeking practical experience in environmental policy, sustainable development and international partnerships. Candidates should pay particular attention to the language requirements and the fact that the internship is unpaid, with funding and travel arrangements needing to be secured.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares employment, internship and educational opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with UNDP and does not recruit on the organisation’s behalf. Applicants should verify all requirements and application details through the official UNDP recruitment platform.
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