Geneva Internship Program; Autumn

Please note that this internship program is only open to students studying at universities based in Switzerland.

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an independent think tank working to accelerate solutions for a stable climate, sustainable resource management, and fair economies. IISD’s staff of more than 200 experts from across the globe bring together governments, businesses, non‑profits, and communities. With offices in Winnipeg, Geneva, Ottawa, and Toronto, IISD’s work impacts nearly 100 countries.

The IISD Geneva Internship Program offers students an opportunity to acquire direct practical experience with IISD’s office in Geneva.

• Economic Law and Policy (ELP):
  Working on international economic policy-making, including investment, trade, taxation, infrastructure, public procurement, finance, agriculture, mining and sustainability standards.
• Energy
  :
  Providing practical guidance on global subsidies, clean‑energy transition, and energy supply and just‑transition strategies.
• Resilience
  :
  Assisting governments and civil society to manage climate‑related risks, build adaptive capacity and evaluate national adaptation plans.
• Communications
  :
  Developing outreach products, managing social media, media relations and communications plans.
• Project Management & Monitoring & Evaluation
  :
  Overseeing project delivery, logistics, budget, timelines and reporting to donors.
• Intergovernmental Forum (IGF):
  Facilitating the application of sustainable development practices in mining and related communities.

• Interns:
  Autumn 2026 (September to December).
• Final date to receive applications: 31 July 2026.
• Duration:
  Minimum 3 months and maximum 4 months (or more upon university approval). 15 h/week during term time, up to 40 h/week during vacation.
• Coursework:
  If the internship is part of a degree program, full‑time hours are possible with a joint agreement with the university.

• Enrolled in a master’s or Ph.D. program at a university based in Switzerland.
• Internship must be part of the university curriculum and count toward academic credits.
• Fluent in English (speaking and writing).
• Excellent academic performance.
• Valid Swiss residence permit (student B permit, regular B permit, C permit) or Swiss citizenship.

You will be present in IISD’s Geneva office during the agreed hours. Activities will vary based on the project, but may include research, editing, event management and communications. A program staff member will supervise your work, set objectives, provide feedback and respond to queries.

Internships are scheduled to allow you to maintain a regular presence in the Geneva office while accommodating academic commitments. IISD can arrange a flexible schedule that best fits your timetable.

IISD cannot provide direct funding. Eligible interns receive an allowance equal to a monthly public transport pass in Geneva plus a per diem to cover lunchtime meal expenses.

IISD is committed to fostering a more equitable and sustainable world and welcomes candidates who uphold our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Preference will be given to equity‑deserving groups during the hiring process. We offer reasonable accommodation in our recruitment process and encourage applicants to provide information on how best to accommodate their needs.