Partnerships & Resource Mobilization Intern

About

UN-Water is the United Nations inter-agency coordination mechanism for all freshwater-related issues, including sanitation. Established in 2003 by the High-Level Committee on Programmes (HLCP), UN-Water currently includes more than 30 UN Member entities and more than 50 non-UN Partners. It promotes coherence and coordination of water-related UN system actions in support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement, the Sendai Framework, and other policy frameworks. UN-Water supports UN conferences on water and coordinates implementation of the UN System-wide Strategy for Water and Sanitation. The internship is hosted through UNOPS Geneva's Global Portfolio Office, which provides secretariat hosting, operational support, and fund management for global programmes including the Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) Portfolio. Under the guidance of the Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Officer, the intern will: update and enhance the UN-Water Resource Mobilization Guide by integrating latest financing trends and improving usability; conduct research on water financing, donor priorities, and private sector engagement and produce analytical summaries; draft donor briefs, concept notes, and proposals, and support preparation of high-level materials; support the implementation of the UN System-wide Strategy for Water and Sanitation and its Collaborative Implementation Plan, including tracking Priority Collaborative Actions; and assist with partner mapping, presentations, and meetings. The internship also supports preparation for global processes such as the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), the 2026 UN Water Conference, and UN-Water activities including the Integrated Monitoring Initiative for SDG 6 and the SDG 6 Capacity Development Initiative. Candidates must be enrolled in a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. programme, or have graduated from such studies within three years prior to the internship application date. Preferred candidates hold a degree in a water-relevant field such as sustainable development, international affairs, economics, social sciences, public policy, public administration, public health, natural resources management, environmental management, or engineering. Professional work experience is not required, but experience in policy-related issues, research and report-writing, or coordination and collaboration is an advantage. Knowledge of water and sanitation-related fields (climate, biodiversity, environment, finance for development) and experience with the UN system or related organisations are also assets. Excellent interpersonal and partnership management skills are expected. The intern will gain hands-on experience in resource mobilization, partnerships, and strategy implementation within the United Nations system, working alongside experienced professionals at UNOPS Geneva. The role provides exposure to high-level global water and sanitation policy processes, including the HLPF and the 2026 UN Water Conference, as well as engagement with a broad network of UN entities and international partners. The position is based in Geneva, Switzerland, a leading hub for international organisations and multilateral diplomacy.

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