OHIO Environmental Sustainability Internship in Kenya

The OHIO–UNEP Environmental Sustainability Internship in Nairobi offers students a unique opportunity to engage with the world’s leading global environmental authority at its headquarters in Kenya’s capital city. Over six weeks, interns will experience firsthand how global environmental policy, science and diplomacy come together to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution at the heart of international environmental governance.

Interns will be immersed in the work of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), which leads the global environmental agenda, coordinates UN-wide environmental efforts, and supports countries in implementing sustainable development commitments. From global policy dialogues to regional initiatives and technical projects, UNEP’s work spans climate action, nature protection, chemicals and waste management, sustainable consumption and production, and environmental data and assessment.

This internship provides exposure to UNEP’s cross-cutting priorities in global governance, science–policy interface, and partnerships for environmental sustainability. It is ideal for students interested in environmental policy, international relations, sustainability science, or global development, and it offers an unparalleled vantage point on how multilateral institutions respond to today’s environmental crises.

Program Dates

June 1 – July 15, 2026 (six weeks, flexible within this window)

Program Highlights

• Policy Analysis & Global Governance – Develop the ability to analyze international environmental policies and decisions, understand how global frameworks are negotiated and implemented, and map the roles of different actors in the UN system.
• Science Communication & Evidence Use – Build skills in interpreting environmental data and reports, distilling complex scientific information, and communicating key findings clearly for policy and public audiences.
• Multilateral Negotiation & Diplomacy – Gain experience observing high-level UN processes, strengthening competencies in note-taking, brief-writing, and understanding how consensus is built in diverse diplomatic settings.
• Regional Implementation & Capacity Support – Learn how global commitments are translated into regional and national action, developing skills in comparative policy analysis, program support, and identifying capacity needs.
• Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement – Strengthen your ability to work across governments, civil society, and the private sector by practicing stakeholder mapping, outreach strategies, and collaborative problem-solving in multicultural teams.
• Professional Skills for Global Careers – Enhance transferable skills such as cross-cultural communication, professional writing, meeting and presentation etiquette, and project organization to prepare for careers in environmental policy, diplomacy, and sustainability.

Venues and Logistics

• Interns will be based at UNEP’s headquarters complex in Nairobi, which anchors a major UN hub and serves as the center of global environmental diplomacy and coordination. The campus hosts UNEP, the UN Environment Assembly, and the Committee of Permanent Representatives, connecting interns to an active diplomatic, policy, and NGO community.
• OHIO, in coordination with UNEP and local partners, will recommend safe, student-friendly housing options in Nairobi with access to public transportation, Wi‑Fi, and basic amenities. Students will receive a pre-departure and in-country orientation covering health, safety, cultural norms, and professional expectations in a multilateral environment. Daily meals and incidentals will be the responsibility of students, with Nairobi offering a range of affordable options for dining and groceries.

Travel and Accommodations

• Flights: Round-trip airfare from Columbus to Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport).
• Accommodation: Guesthouse or apartment-style arrangements with standard amenities in safe neighborhoods accessible to the UN complex.
• Local Transportation: Options may include rideshare services, taxis, and shuttle services to the UN compound, following safety guidance provided during orientation.
• Connectivity: Reliable mobile and internet access are widely available in Nairobi and at the UN campus, enabling students to stay connected while prioritizing engagement with the internship experience.

Entry and Exit Requirements

• Visa: U.S. citizens and other nationalities may require an entry visa or electronic travel authorization for Kenya; requirements vary by citizenship and will be confirmed prior to departure.
• Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond the program end date and include sufficient blank pages for Kenyan entry and UN security badges.
• Health and Safety: Students should be up to date on routine vaccinations and review any recommended travel health precautions for Kenya in consultation with a medical provider.
• Cultural and Professional Awareness: Interns are expected to maintain a high standard of professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and discretion in a multinational workplace, respecting UN codes of conduct and local customs in Nairobi.

Applicant Qualifications

This internship is ideal for undergraduate and graduate students in environmental studies, geography, political science, international studies, sustainability, economics, public health, or related fields. Competitive applicants will demonstrate:

• A strong interest in global environmental governance, climate policy, biodiversity, or sustainable development.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information for diverse audiences.
• Maturity, cross-cultural communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in an international, team-based setting.
• A commitment to ethical engagement, respect for diverse perspectives, and an interest in multilateral problem-solving.

Prior coursework in environmental policy, international organizations, or global studies is strongly encouraged and will help students engage more deeply with UNEP’s mission and work.

Costs