Background Information - Job-specific
The internship is based in the Health, Safety, Social and Environmental (HSSE) Management Unit in UNOPS Headquarters. The Unit is responsible for supporting the development and implementation of HSSE good practices in UNOPS projects and operations in line with UNOPS policies, UN common system standards and international best practices.
The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting a variety of tasks, work packages and projects with the Health, Safety, Social and Environmental (HSSE) management team as a part of their internship period. We are seeking qualified applicants who may have Engineering, Occupational Health and Safety, Social Development Studies, Environmental Management or a related subject as background. The intern will join a dynamic, international environment and will have access to a variety of training and learning opportunities available in UNOPS HQ.
Internship is expected to start in September 2025 for a duration of 6 months (with a possibility of extension, subject to satisfactory performance and available funds). Functional Responsibilities
Duties and responsibilities may comprise, but not limited to, the following:
HSSE team support:
Support a variety of tasks, work packages and projects as outlined and assigned in the annual work plan for the Health, Safety, Social and Environmental (HSSE) management team Research and information/data collection Research global trends and activities in HSSE Support compilation of best practices in HSSE from within and outside UNOPS Day to day tasks as assignedCommunication and reporting:
Contribute to maintenance and updating of the HSSE intranet site Assist with monitoring and reporting of HSSE performance Assist during HSSE review preparationsCoordination of global HSSE operations:
Maintenance, update and support of all relevant guidance and documentation Assist with providing timely advice on HSSE issues Assist with HSSE training support and preparation of workshops Assist in the development and delivery of HSSE training Any other duties in support of the Shared Services Center Learning Objectives:Education:
To be eligible for this particular internship with UNOPS, the candidate must be currently enrolled or have graduated with a relevant University degree in the past the past 3 years in Civil Engineering, Environmental Management, Occupational Health & Safety, Social Development, Sustainability or other relevant discipline.Experience:
While no prior work experience is required, some experience in project management and HSSE, ideally within the development sector or private sector, is highly desirable A health & safety and/or environmental/social management professional certification would be desirable Experience in Google Suite particularly in the use of Google Sheets is desiredLanguages:
Fluency in English is required Knowledge of French and/or Spanish would be considered an asset Competencies Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.This internship is not designed to lead to a staff position with UNOPS. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of the internship.
Interns may be eligible for a monthly stipend from UNOPS provided that they do not receive funds from other institutions. Further, UNOPS may provide a one time travel lumpsum of 300, 500 or 800 USD (depending on the location at the moment of being selected for the position). However, they must make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and necessary visa arrangements.
For more details about UNOPS internships please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Internships-and-volunteering.aspx
UN City in Copenhagen - short presentation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oF25xfMW0KQ
Internships in UN City Copenhagen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhkLcwx009I&list=TLGGlHcczC1BudwwNDA1MjAyMQ&t=12s Additional Considerations
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks. Background Information - UNOPS
UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.
Working with us
UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.
Diversity
With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labour force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage the recruitment of qualified female candidates.
Work life harmonization
UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.