Unpaid Internship - Circular Economy Intern

ITU • Geneva, IL

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technologies, is seeking an Unpaid Circular Economy Intern to support its expanding activities in waste electrical and electronic equipment (e-waste) policy and regulation. This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the preparation of the Global E-waste Monitor 2027, a flagship report compiling data and information on e-waste. The intern will also assist with the inception of the Global Electronics Management Program, focusing on policy guidance and advisory services in areas such as extended producer responsibility and right to repair. The role is within the Digital Networks & Environment Department (DNE) of the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT), which assists Member States with ICT development challenges, including environmental and climate change aspects.

Requirements

• University degree (or in the process of completing an advanced university degree) in global environmental governance, standards, policy, regulation, sustainable development, or environmental studies, or an equivalent level of education and specialization in a relevant field.
• No work experience is required.
• Advanced level of English.
• Under 30 years of age (Exceptions may be considered for candidates pursuing a Ph.D.).
• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate program, or be a recent graduate (within six months prior to the start of the internship).
• Citizen of a Member State of ITU.

Nice To Haves

• Fluency in Spanish would be desirable.
• Knowledge of environmental issues, particularly relating to circular economy and to e-waste.
• Excellent data management skills and ability to analyse information and data across countries and topics.
• Familiarity or willingness to learn about policy development and regulations governing e-waste.
• Ability to conduct research efficiently and draft clear and concise documentation.
• Good interpersonal skills and willingness to work collaboratively with other team members.

Responsibilities

• Support with the preparation of the Global E-waste Monitor 2027, including data collection and analysis of the global policy, legislative and regulatory landscape for electronics and e-waste management.
• Review the status of each country’s national e-waste management policy, legislative and regulatory landscape to document progress.
• Assess legal instruments to document provisions on extended producer responsibility, and e-waste collection and recycling targets.
• Contribute to the compilation of knowledge for the Global E-waste Monitor 2027, researching materials composition of electronics, circularity impact, critical raw materials, employment in e-waste management, legislation, transboundary movements, and key indicators and trends.
• Assist with the inception of the Global Electronics Management Program by preparing project documentation and partnership materials covering ITU’s role in policy guidance and advisory services related to extended producer responsibility, right to repair, sustainable financing in e-waste management, and circular and sustainable public procurement.

Benefits

• Internship opportunity within a leading United Nations agency.
• Involvement in the preparation of a key global report (Global E-waste Monitor 2027).
• Exposure to international policy and regulation in ICT development and environmental sustainability.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Associate degree