Remote UNDP Climate & Health Internship 2026 in New York | Work on Air Pollution, Climate Change & Global Health Policy (Paid Stipend)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is offering a Climate and Health Intern (Remote/Home-Based) position under its Bureau for Policy and Programme Support. Based administratively in New York, United States, this full-time internship runs for three months and focuses on the intersection of climate change, air pollution, and public health—one of the most urgent global development challenges today.

This internship is part of UNDP’s broader mission to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by integrating health, climate, governance, and environmental policy solutions. It is designed for graduate students or recent graduates with strong research, analytical, and writing skills who are eager to contribute to evidence-based climate and health policy work.

A Critical Intersection: Climate and Health

Climate change, air pollution, and environmental degradation are increasingly recognized as major drivers of global health outcomes. From respiratory diseases caused by poor air quality to heat-related illnesses, food insecurity, and mental health challenges, the climate-health nexus is central to sustainable development.

UNDP’s work in this space is closely aligned with global partners such as the World Health Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme, as well as initiatives like the Climate and Clean Air Coalition and the Global Climate and Health Alliance. These collaborations aim to reduce emissions, strengthen health systems, and improve environmental resilience.

The internship supports this mission by focusing on air pollution, black carbon emissions, and policy development, particularly in South Africa.

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Key Objectives of the Internship

The selected intern will contribute to UNDP’s HIV and Health Pillar, supporting analytical and policy work in several priority areas:

1. Air Pollution and Black Carbon Analysis

Interns will lead data analysis on air pollution and black carbon emissions in South Africa, identifying key hotspots and sectoral opportunities for emissions reduction. The findings will help inform both climate mitigation strategies and public health interventions.

A major output will be a policy brief summarizing analytical results and supporting South Africa’s Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy and updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0).

2. Investment Case for Air Quality

The role also involves contributing to research and drafting an investment case on ambient air pollution, demonstrating the economic and health benefits of cleaner air policies.

3. Global Climate and Health Advocacy

The intern will support preparations for major global events, including:

• The 31st UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP31)
• The 17th UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP17)

These platforms are critical for advancing international cooperation on climate, biodiversity, and health.

4. Pandemic Prevention and Preparedness

Another key responsibility is supporting UNDP’s engagement toward the second UN High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response (PPPR HLM), scheduled for September 2026 in New York. The intern will contribute to research and drafting of a UNDP position paper on global health security.

Core Responsibilities

Under the supervision of UNDP policy specialists, the intern will:

• Conduct data analysis on air pollution and black carbon emissions in South Africa
• Draft policy briefs and presentations for climate-health decision-making
• Support dissemination of research findings through meetings and coordination with country offices
• Contribute to investment case development on air pollution
• Assist in research, editing, and knowledge product development
• Support global coordination on climate, health, and biodiversity initiatives
• Assist in communication and reporting for the PPPR High-Level Meeting

Interns will also present their work in an end-of-internship presentation to the Health Team.

Skills and Competencies Required

Ideal candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills
• Experience or academic training in public health, international studies, development, or related fields
• Ability to conduct data analysis and present findings clearly
• Proficiency in computer and office software tools
• Interest in climate change, health systems, and sustainable development
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities

Knowledge of additional UN languages is considered an asset, alongside familiarity with health and development issues.

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Eligibility and Academic Requirements

Applicants must be:

• Enrolled in a graduate programme, OR
• In the final year of a bachelor’s degree, OR
• Recently graduated (within one year prior to internship start)

Relevant fields include public health, international development, policy, environmental science, or related disciplines.

Internship Conditions

This is a remote, unpaid internship supported by a modest monthly stipend in line with UNDP internship policy. Interns are responsible for their own insurance, visas (if applicable), and living expenses.

Important conditions include:

• No expectation of employment after the internship
• Strict confidentiality requirements
• Compliance with UNDP ethical standards and background checks
• Responsibility for medical insurance coverage

UNDP maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward harassment, discrimination, and misconduct, ensuring a safe and inclusive working environment.

Why This Internship Matters

This internship offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of science, policy, and global development. Interns contribute directly to real-world policy solutions addressing air pollution and climate change—issues that affect millions of lives globally.

By engaging with UNDP’s global policy network, interns gain exposure to high-level international processes while contributing to actionable research that informs governments and global partners.

Final Note

The Climate and Health Intern position represents more than just an internship—it is a gateway into global policy work focused on some of the most pressing challenges of our time. From air quality improvements in South Africa to global pandemic preparedness discussions, this role places interns at the center of meaningful international development efforts driven by the United Nations Development Programme and its partners.