Introduction
As the world accelerates efforts to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and widening development gaps, knowledge management has become a cornerstone of effective global action. International organizations increasingly rely on structured knowledge systems to capture lessons, share evidence, and scale solutions that work. For students and recent graduates eager to build careers at the intersection of sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and global policy, internships that combine technical learning with international exposure are more valuable than ever.
For 2026, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking a Knowledge Management Intern (Remote/Home-Based) to support its SDG Finance / Biodiversity Finance (BIOFIN) Programme, with administrative affiliation to Istanbul. This 6-month, full-time internship offers a UN-recognized stipend, flexible remote working arrangements, and hands-on exposure to global initiatives that support biodiversity financing and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This article is published by an independent job and opportunity-curation platform. It is shared strictly for informational purposes and is not affiliated with UNDP. The platform does not participate in recruitment, shortlisting, or selection decisions. All applications must be submitted through UNDP’s official recruitment systems.
With a clear deadline of 25 January 2026, this opportunity is particularly relevant for candidates seeking a remote UN internship that combines analytical work, global collaboration, and meaningful environmental impact.
Background & Internship Description
About UNDP
The United Nations Development Programme is the United Nations’ lead agency for sustainable development, working in nearly 170 countries and territories. UNDP partners with governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, build resilience, and advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
A core pillar of UNDP’s work is ensuring that development solutions are evidence-based, scalable, and financially sustainable. Knowledge management plays a critical role in achieving this by enabling teams to capture insights, share best practices, and inform decision-making across regions and sectors.
SDG Finance and BIOFIN Programme
The SDG Finance portfolio focuses on mobilizing public and private finance to support the achievement of the SDGs. Within this portfolio, the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) is a global programme that supports countries in identifying, mobilizing, and aligning financial resources to protect biodiversity and ecosystems.
BIOFIN works across policy analysis, finance solutions, stakeholder engagement, and capacity development. It operates in dozens of countries and collaborates with ministries of finance, environment agencies, international partners, and civil society.
Internship Purpose
The Knowledge Management Intern (Remote/Home-Based) supports the SDG Finance/BIOFIN team by strengthening how knowledge, data, and learning are captured, organized, and shared. The role is designed to help transform technical outputs and country experiences into accessible knowledge products that inform global biodiversity finance efforts.
Although administratively linked to Istanbul, the internship is fully remote, allowing candidates from around the world to contribute while collaborating virtually with international experts.
UNDP Knowledge Management Intern (Remote/Home-Based) 2026
Key Responsibilities
While specific tasks may evolve based on programme needs, the Knowledge Management Intern typically supports the following areas:
Knowledge Capture and Organization
- Supporting the collection, organization, and systematization of knowledge from BIOFIN country teams and global partners
- Assisting in maintaining knowledge repositories, databases, and digital platforms
- Helping ensure consistency, accuracy, and accessibility of information
Content Development and Knowledge Products
- Contributing to the preparation of knowledge products, including briefs, summaries, case studies, and learning notes
- Supporting the synthesis of technical materials into user-friendly formats
- Assisting with editing, formatting, and quality assurance of documents
Learning and Knowledge Sharing
- Supporting virtual knowledge-sharing events, webinars, and internal discussions
- Assisting in documenting lessons learned and best practices
- Helping track engagement and usage of knowledge products
Collaboration and Coordination
- Working closely with remote teams across regions and time zones
- Coordinating inputs from technical specialists, analysts, and country offices
- Supporting communication between programme teams and stakeholders
These responsibilities allow interns to gain practical experience in knowledge management within a global development programme, while contributing directly to biodiversity finance and SDG implementation.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
Competitive candidates are typically:
- Enrolled in or recent graduates of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in International Development, Environmental Studies, Economics, Public Policy, Information Management, Communications, or related fields
- Demonstrating academic interest in sustainability, biodiversity, or development finance
Formal certifications are not required, but coursework in research methods, data management, or environmental policy is an asset.
Experience
- Prior professional experience is not mandatory
- Relevant academic projects, internships, volunteering, or research experience are strong advantages
- Familiarity with knowledge management tools, digital collaboration platforms, or content management systems is beneficial
Skills and Competencies
Successful candidates often demonstrate:
- Strong analytical and organizational skills
- Clear written communication and attention to detail
- Ability to work independently in a remote setting
- Interest in biodiversity conservation and sustainable finance
- Willingness to learn and collaborate across cultures
Why Apply for This Internship
This internship offers significant value for early-career professionals.
From a career development perspective, it provides UN-recognized experience within a globally respected organization. Exposure to SDG Finance and BIOFIN strengthens future applications to UN agencies, international NGOs, research institutions, and environmental finance roles.
From a learning perspective, interns gain hands-on experience in knowledge management, a highly transferable skillset relevant across development, policy, and research careers.
From an impact perspective, the role directly supports global efforts to finance biodiversity conservation—an essential component of achieving the SDGs and addressing the biodiversity crisis.
Finally, the remote and home-based format allows flexibility while maintaining meaningful engagement with international teams.
Application Tips & Insights
Candidates are encouraged to approach the application strategically.
Strong applications typically:
- Clearly express interest in knowledge management and sustainable development
- Highlight relevant coursework, research, or writing experience
- Demonstrate ability to organize information and communicate clearly
- Reflect motivation to contribute to biodiversity and SDG-related work
Applicants should avoid generic internship statements and instead explain how their skills align with knowledge management and environmental finance.
Additional Information
- Internship Title: Knowledge Management Intern
- Organization: United Nations Development Programme
- Programme: SDG Finance / Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN)
- Location: Remote/Home-Based (administratively linked to Istanbul, Türkiye)
- Duration: 6 months, full-time
- Stipend: UN-recognized internship stipend
- Eligibility: Students and recent graduates
- Application Deadline: 25 January 2026
UNDP is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should:
- Access UNDP’s official recruitment system
- Search for the Knowledge Management Intern – SDG Finance / BIOFIN role
- Review eligibility requirements carefully
- Prepare required documents (CV, cover letter, academic records if requested)
- Submit the application before 25 January 2026
Applicants should rely only on official UNDP recruitment platforms and should not pay any recruitment fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this internship fully remote?
Yes. The internship is designed as a remote/home-based role.
Do I need prior UN experience?
No. Relevant academic background and motivation are sufficient.
Is the internship paid?
Yes. A UN-recognized stipend is provided.
What makes BIOFIN unique?
BIOFIN focuses specifically on financing biodiversity conservation, linking environmental protection with sustainable finance and policy reform.
Can this internship support future UN careers?
Yes. UNDP internship experience significantly strengthens future applications within the UN system and development sector.
Suggested Focus Keywords
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