UNEP-UNV Young Talent Pipeline

New UNEP Young Talent Pipeline, in partnership with UNV: applications now open

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has launched a new talent acquisition initiative called the Young Talent Pipeline, in partnership with the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme. This is aimed at increasing the diversity of experiences and solutions to solve the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature loss and pollution and waste.

UNEP, in partnership with UNV, is actively looking for the first cohort of young, passionate, and skilled talent from less represented regions of the world to join the organization and become the environmental leaders of tomorrow. Applications for 12 new international UN Volunteer specialist assignments closed on 15 May 2023.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme are partnering to build a new cohort of attract future environmental leaders: the UNEP-UNV Young Talent Pipeline. Dynamic thinkers with three years of experience and a passion for driving UNEP’s solutions to the triple planetary crises of nature and biodiversity loss, climate change and waste and chemical pollution environment agenda forward are encouraged to apply.

Through this Young Talent Pipeline, early career professionals will contribute to the cutting edge of UNEP’s mandate. Selected candidates will be based in UNEP’s headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, and assignments are expected to begin in September/October 2023 and last for 12 months, with a possibility of extension.

Colleagues recruited through the Young Talent Pipeline will have access to learning and professional development opportunities, including a suite of online learning programmes.

If you are 33 years of age or younger and passionate about a sustainable future for the world, check out the assignment opportunities for further details. Candidates will need to have degrees in relevant areas, three years of professional experience and a passion for UNEP’s mission. Women and people from marginalized groups are especially encouraged to apply.

When do applications close?

Applications for the below UN Volunteer assignments closed on 15 May 2023.

What Young Talent Pipeline UN Volunteer assignments are available?

The 12 new UN Volunteer assignments are listed below. They range from circular economy and geospatial information to ecosystem restoration, statistics and more. The location for all UN Volunteer assignments is Nairobi, Kenya.

Minerals and Metals Specialist

Education & Youth Specialist

Green Building Specialist

Environmental Rights Specialist

Digital-Ecosystems Interface Specialist

Geospatial Information Specialist

Statistical Analysis Specialist

Nature-based Solutions Programme Officer

Gender & Safeguards Specialist

Ecosystem Restoration Specialist

Climate-Induced Loss and Damage Specialist

Circular Economy Specialist


For further information, check the press release on this partnership.