CMS Intern (Aquatic Species / Marine Conservation)
Location:
Bonn, Germany (in-person or remote option available)
Organization:
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) Secretariat
Contract Type:
Unpaid internship, full-time (40 hours/week), 3-6 months duration
Main Description:
The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) is a global intergovernmental treaty aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of migratory species and their habitats. The CMS Secretariat is looking for interns to support the Aquatic Species Team, which coordinates several daughter agreements established under CMS, including binding Agreements (ASCOBANS) and Memoranda of Understanding for specific species or species groups (turtles, sharks & rays, cetaceans, sirenians). The team coordinates the implementation of COP Decisions, Resolutions and Concerted Action related to aquatic species (freshwater and marine).
Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual's background and internship period. Tasks may include:
- Assist with the implementation of Decisions taken at the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CMS (COP15)
- Undertake literature reviews on marine mammals, sharks, rays or turtle species of concern for CMS and ASCOBANS or threats affecting them
- Assist with compiling information on national, regional and international legal status of marine species
- Undertake data analyses and visualization of data related to international trade in marine species, fisheries data or other relevant data
- Contribute to the preparation of background documents for meetings of CMS, ASCOBANS and aquatic MOUs
- Assist in the preparation of publications, presentations and other outreach material, including website content
- Contribute to the development of strategies and action plans
- Assist in the preparation and follow-up of meetings and workshops
- Assist with the development of project proposals for fundraising
- Assist with substantial preparations for meetings of the Sharks MOU, including the 5th Meeting of the Sharks MOU Advisory Committee and Sharks MOS5
- Assist with the development of capacity-building materials (videos, presentations, handouts) for physical and online workshops
- Participate at appropriate meetings of the CMS and ASCOBANS Secretariats
Requirements:
Applicants must meet one of the following:
- Be currently in the final year of a bachelor's degree (or equivalent)
- Be enrolled in a master's or Ph.D. program (or equivalent)
- Have completed a bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. degree within one year prior to the expected start date
Preferred area of study: biology, ecology, zoology, environmental studies, international relations/policy, political sciences, geography, international law, or related fields.
- Computer literacy in standard software applications required
- Fluency in spoken and written English required
- Knowledge of French or Spanish is desirable
- Ability to draft news articles and/or social media posts is desirable
- Ability to design and analyse surveys and polls is desirable
- Demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter
- Demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs
Benefits/Conditions:
- Internship is UNPAID and full-time
- Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions
- Interns work under the supervision of a staff member in the department
- Can be in-person in Bonn or remote based on candidate's request
How to Apply:
Submit your application through the UN Careers Portal (Job Opening ID: 269223) before January 16, 2026.
Your application must include:
- Completed application (Personal History Profile) and Cover Note through the UN careers Portal
- Cover Note/Motivation Statement must include:
- Title of the degree you have or are currently pursuing
- Graduation date
- IT skills and programmes you are proficient in
- Explanation of your interest in an internship at the UN and at CMS in particular
- Explanation why you are the best candidate for this specific internship
- Preferred start date, number of months available, and whether you can do the internship in-person or remotely
- Proof of enrolment from current University (if not graduated)
- Copy of degree certificate (if already graduated)
Apply here: https://careers.un.org/lbw/jobdetail.aspx?id=269223
Deadline: January 16, 2026
Note: Due to high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
