The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is inviting applications for a six-month paid internship in Geneva, Switzerland, offering an opportunity for a qualified postgraduate student or recent graduate to gain practical experience within the United Nations system.
The internship is based in WMO’s Private Sector and Philanthropic Engagement (PSPE) Unit, within the Division of Development Partnerships and Programme Delivery (DPPD). The selected intern will support work involving partnership development, resource mobilization, philanthropy, private-sector engagement, research, due diligence, communications and high-level events.
The position is particularly relevant for candidates interested in international development, international relations, climate and sustainability, business, economics, law and partnerships within international organisations.
Applications must be submitted online through the WMO e-recruitment system by 22 September 2026 at 11:59 PM.
WMO Internship 2026 Overview
The WMO internship will be based in Geneva, Switzerland, and has a contract duration of six months.
The position is listed under WMO’s Internship Programme and provides an opportunity to work directly within a UN agency dealing with weather, climate and water-related issues.
The intern will join the Private Sector and Philanthropic Engagement Unit, which works with foundations, philanthropies, businesses, commercial entities, business associations and other non-state actors.
The team supports WMO in developing partnerships and mobilising financial and in-kind resources for its programmes and initiatives.
One of the major areas of work is the WMO Commons, a pooled financing mechanism with an objective of raising US$100 million over five years.
The internship therefore provides exposure to how international organisations build strategic partnerships and engage external stakeholders to support global development and climate-related priorities.
What Will the WMO Intern Do?
The selected intern will support several areas of the PSPE Unit’s work.
Responsibilities will include assisting with meetings involving private-sector companies, philanthropic foundations, investors and other non-state actors.
The intern may help prepare:
- Meeting agendas and background notes
- Participant profiles
- Briefing materials
- Meeting summaries
- Follow-up documentation
- Partnership records
- Contact lists and engagement trackers
The intern will also conduct research to identify potential private-sector and philanthropic partners, contributors and funding opportunities.
This will include preparing organisational profiles, monitoring developments in philanthropy and sustainable finance, and identifying potential resource-mobilisation opportunities.
Another important responsibility will involve due diligence and reputational risk support. The intern will assist with background research on organisations being considered for engagement with WMO and help maintain relevant records and risk-assessment documentation.
Supporting the WMO Commons
The internship will also provide exposure to the operationalisation and promotion of the WMO Commons.
The intern will assist with research and mapping of potential contributors and strategic partners while helping prepare and update communication materials.
These could include:
- Pitch materials
- Frequently asked questions
- Presentations
- Background information
- Contributor engagement materials
This component could be particularly valuable for candidates interested in climate finance, development finance, philanthropy, fundraising and strategic partnerships.
High-Level Events and International Engagement
The intern will also support preparations for the Open Consultative Platform (OCP) and other high-level private-sector and philanthropic engagements.
Tasks may involve preparing concept notes, agendas, participant research, logistical documentation, briefing materials and meeting reports.
The internship will also provide exposure to engagement with strategic platforms and networks connected to sustainable finance, climate risk, technology, and global weather, climate and water services.
The role may therefore provide practical insight into how a UN agency engages governments, businesses, philanthropic organisations, investors and other stakeholders.
Educational Requirements
Applicants should have a Master’s-level qualification in one of the following areas:
- International relations
- International development
- Climate studies
- Business
- Economics
- Law
- A related discipline
No previous professional experience is required.
However, coursework or academic exposure to international organisations, private-sector engagement, partnerships, resource mobilisation or sustainability would be considered an advantage.
Candidates should also demonstrate strong research and writing skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a multicultural working environment.
Language Requirements
Fluency in English is required for the position.
Knowledge of French would be an advantage, particularly given that the internship is based in Geneva and involves engagement within an international and multilingual environment.
What Will the Intern Gain?
The WMO internship offers practical exposure to public-private engagement at the international level.
According to the vacancy information, the learning component will include hands-on experience in:
- Partnership development
- Resource mobilisation
- Event coordination
- Due diligence
- Private-sector engagement
- Philanthropic engagement
- International organisational processes
- Preparation of senior-level briefings and communications
For candidates seeking careers in the UN system, international development, climate policy, sustainability, philanthropy or global partnerships, this experience could strengthen their professional profile.
Who Should Apply?
The opportunity may be particularly suitable for postgraduate candidates with an academic interest in international organisations and development partnerships.
Applicants with knowledge of climate issues, sustainable finance, international development, business partnerships, resource mobilisation or philanthropy may find the role especially relevant.
The successful candidate will need to demonstrate the ability to conduct research, write clearly, work collaboratively and manage several assignments simultaneously.
How to Apply for the WMO Internship 2026
Applications must be submitted online through the official WMO e-recruitment system.
WMO specifically states that applications should not be submitted by post or email, and applicants should not send the same application through multiple routes.
Only candidates in whom WMO has further interest will be contacted. Shortlisted applicants may also be required to complete a written test and/or interview.
Importantly, WMO does not charge application, interview, validation, appointment or training fees. Applicants should be cautious of anyone requesting money in connection with the recruitment process.
WMO Internship 2026 Key Details
Organisation: World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
Position: Internship – Private Sector and Philanthropic Engagement
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Department: Division of Development Partnerships and Programme Delivery
Unit: Private Sector and Philanthropic Engagement
Contract duration: 6 months
Experience: No prior experience required
Education: Master’s level
Language: English required; French advantageous
Deadline: 22 September 2026 at 11:59 PM
Application method: Online WMO e-recruitment system
Final Thoughts
The WMO Paid Internship 2026 in Geneva offers an opportunity for qualified postgraduate candidates to gain practical experience within a UN agency while developing skills in partnerships, resource mobilisation, philanthropy and private-sector engagement.
With no prior professional experience required, the internship could be particularly attractive to candidates looking to transition from postgraduate study into careers in international development, climate action, sustainability, international organisations and global partnerships.
Interested applicants should review the official vacancy carefully and submit their applications before the 22 September 2026 deadline.
