Unpaid Internship - Circular Economy Intern
Vacancy notice no. 2382. Sector: BDT, Department: DNE (Digital Networks & Environment). Duty station: Geneva. Type of contract: Internship (unpaid), 6 months. Open to external candidates.
Background: ITU is expanding its activities on waste electrical and electronic equipment (e-waste) in the policy and regulation domain, and is receiving increasing requests from Member States on circular economy and climate change. Preparation is underway for the next Global E-waste Monitor (tentatively June 2027), one of ITU's flagship reports.
Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the Head of the CET Division and in close cooperation with the Creating a Circular Economy for Electronics programme, the intern will (1) support preparation of the Global E-waste Monitor 2027, including analysing the global policy, legislative and regulatory landscape for electronics and e-waste management, reviewing each country's national e-waste policy status and progress between 2023 and 2027, assessing legal instruments for provisions on extended producer responsibility and e-waste collection and recycling targets, and contributing to research and drafting on materials composition, circularity impact, critical raw materials, employment in e-waste management, legislation and transboundary movements; and (2) assist with the inception of the Global Electronics Management Program, funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented by UNIDO, by preparing project documentation and partnership materials covering ITU's role in policy guidance and advisory services on extended producer responsibility, right to repair, sustainable financing in e-waste management and circular public procurement.
Competencies: Knowledge of environmental issues, particularly circular economy and e-waste; excellent data management and analysis skills; familiarity with or willingness to learn about e-waste policy and regulation; ability to research efficiently and draft clear documentation; good interpersonal skills.
Qualifications: University degree (or in the process of completing an advanced degree) in global environmental governance, standards, policy, regulation and sustainable development or environmental studies, or equivalent. No work experience required. Advanced English; Spanish desirable.
Additional information: This is a non-remunerated internship; medical insurance, travel, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or sponsoring institution. Candidates must be under 30 (exceptions may be considered for Ph.D. candidates), currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate programme or a recent graduate (within six months before the start), and be a citizen of an ITU Member State.
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 15 October 2026
HOW TO APPLY:
All candidates must complete an on-line application via the ITU careers website (https://jobs.itu.int/talentcommunity/apply/1367897955/?locale=en_US). Only selected candidates will be contacted. ITU does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.