The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. UNU engages in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations. The work of UNU contributes to solving pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.
For the past five decades, UNU has been a source of impartial research on sustainability, human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers working at institutes in 12 countries, UNU's expertise spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu
UNU-FLORES is one of 13 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-FLORES develops strategies to resolve pressing issues in the sustainable use and integrated management of environmental resources such as water, soil, waste, energy, and other geo-resources that are of concern to the United Nations and its Member States – particularly in developing and emerging economies. Based in Dresden and Weißwasser, Germany, the Institute engages in research and innovation development, education and capacity development as well as outreach, advocacy and impact to advance the Resource Nexus. For more information, please visit https://flores.unu.edu/.
Sustainability Assessment for the Resource Nexus
The short- and long-term implementation of Sustainability Assessment is fundamental to a comprehensive understanding of the Resource Nexus and to driving policy creation for resource management that considers social, economic, and environmental dimensions without disregarding other facets, such as technical, institutional, and cultural sustainability. The integration of the multidimensional concept of resilience into sustainability assessments is also emphasized, given the complementary character and synergetic potential of these perspectives. In general, Sustainability Assessment has been highlighted as a valuable analytical viewpoint that can support the operationalization of the Resource Nexus concept. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to advance the Resource Nexus and support the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Project background
This position is within the context of the project “Method development for circular economic-ecological sustainability assessment of the zPP-process chain” (original German title: “Methodenentwicklung für zirkuläre ökonomisch-ökologische Nachhaltigkeitsbewertung der zPP-Prozesskette”) within the collaborative project “Circular, sustainable technical textiles made from polypropylene (PP) for the transport sector” (original German title: “Zirkuläre, nachhaltige technische Textilien aus Polypropylen (PP) für den Transportbereich”).
Polypropylene generally has a very low recycling rate, and multi-material systems further complicate circularity. Our main objective is the development of Resource Nexus-based methodologies for circular, economic, and ecological assessments of the investigated process chain that will create innovative solutions for the development and manufacturing of circular, sustainable technical textiles made from polypropylene. This includes defining objectives, developing and integrating circularity indicators, thoroughly applying Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Costing methodologies, and further developing microplastic indicators. A special emphasis lies in the interpretation and integration with the Resource Nexus Approach, so that resource dependencies, trade-offs and synergies can be identified and managed. This is aided by scenario development, sensitivity, and risk analysis. In zPP, we work with several partners from industry and research, and look at production (quality analysis, mechanical or thermal recycling, fiber and textile production), (re-)use as well as collection and distribution of secondary materials.
Opportunity for an Intern
The selected intern will work in an international research environment aligned with the mission and values of the United Nations University, collaborating with interdisciplinary colleagues at UNU-FLORES and the project team. The position offers hands-on experience in sustainability research, including methodological skills development in life cycle assessment, as well as opportunities to engage with professional networks within the UN system. The intern may also have the option to pursue a thesis under the Joint Junior Researcher Programme or the Master’s Thesis Programme and obtain a Master’s thesis certificate upon completion.
1. Support research work related to the zPP project
Collect and manage data required for the development of Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) analyses;
Contribute to research design, academic writing, and the publication of articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals;
Contribute to the development of a robust methodology for assessing circularity and sustainability of polypropylene (PP)-based technical textiles, with particular attention to microplastics;
Support the development and application of a Resource Nexus approach for technical textiles and plastics;
2. Knowledge dissemination and transfer
Support knowledge dissemination activities and the development of strategies for transferring research outcomes to other regions facing similar challenges;
Support the publication of research outputs in appropriate academic and policy-oriented outlets and the presentation of findings at conferences, workshops, and seminars;
3. Capacity development
Assist in the organization of project-related capacity development activities, including workshops and training events;
Contribute to the Institute’s broader capacity development initiatives;
4. Educational development
Provide support to the Institute’s educational programmes and related events.
5. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Learning Objectives
Acquire advanced skills in Resource Nexus studies, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and Life Cycle Costing (LCC);
Develop practical experience in designing and applying robust methodologies to assess product circularity and sustainability;
Strengthen academic writing and communication skills through active.
Values:
Inclusion — take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity
Integrity — act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards
Humility — demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others
Humanity — act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet
Behaviours:
Connect and collaborate — build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
Analyse and plan — seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
Deliver results with positive impact — hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
Learn and develop — pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
Adapt and innovate — demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways
1) Education and certification
University studies in one of the following disciplines: Sustainability assessment, Environmental management, Environmental science, Environmental economics or other related area is required;
Be in their final year of undergraduate study or enrolled in a graduate degree programme or is within the two-year post graduation (maximum) from either a bachelors’, masters’ or PhD degree programme.
2) Required skills and experience
Excellent communication and presentation skills;
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Powerpoint, Excel);
Demonstrated ability to work well both independently and within a multi-cultural team.
3) Language Requirements
Excellent communication skills (written and oral) in English are required; knowledge of German is strongly preferred;
Working knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.
The duration of the onsite internship is 6 months.
Interns who are not in receipt of financial support from other sources such as universities or other institutions will receive a stipend from UNU to partially subsidize their basic living costs for the duration of the internship.
The monthly amount of the stipend will be determined for each duty station based on the stipend rates in effect. The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis including online internship and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.
2 March 2026
To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:
Apply via the apply link;
Fill out the UNU P11 Form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
Provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form) stating interest in and qualifications for the position;
Document(s) confirming your education status (e.g. copy of your degrees, transcript or proof of enrollment);
Any other additional documents supporting your application (certificates, awards, publications if any);
Proof of health and life/accident insurance valid for the location in which the internship will be carried out;
Answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.
You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.
09 February 2026 (23:59 pm CET)
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a desk review and/or a competency-based interview, background checks and references.
UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position. Interns do not hold international civil servant status, nor are they considered a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. If you have supervisory function you need to have awareness on gender related issues.
UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU.
Scam warning
UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
Please mention you found this job on AI Jobs. It helps us get more startups to hire on our site. Thanks and good luck!
