Internship Diplomacy and Partnerships (m/f/x)

Köln

NewClimate Institute

Period: 3 months, longer period possible if mandatory part of study program
Start date: As soon as possible - Full time (38 hours per week)
Location: Cologne, Germany
Deadline: 27 August 2026 

(R-IN2605)

NewClimate Institute

NewClimate Institute focuses on climate mitigation by supporting climate action research and implementation around the world. We are a dynamic and diverse multidisciplinary team of political scientists, engineers, communication experts, business administrators, writers, natural scientists, data nerds, and much more – what unites us is the will to tackle the climate crisis. Through our policy-oriented research and capacity building we help national governments, international organisations, NGOs and other actors to develop and implement solutions to the global climate change challenge.

NewClimate Institute’s key motivation is to maximise impact, in a creative and fun working environment with a positive team spirit built on openness, trust, and inclusiveness.

The internship

NewClimate Institute regularly works with motivated master’s degree students, interested in a career in sustainable development and climate policy, who join the NewClimate Institute team for an internship of 3 months (longer period possible if mandatory part of study program). For this position, we are seeking a candidate to support our ongoing analytical work on climate diplomacy, international partnerships, and German climate policy. The start date of the internship is ideally in September 2026.

Possible tasks may include:

• Desk research on topics such as climate disinformation, decentralised renewable energy projects in Germany, green industrialisation, co-benefits of the energy transition, and aligning financial flows with climate mitigation and adaptation objectives.
• Supporting the projects (ad-hoc coordination and meeting tasks, desk research on different topics, contributions to presentations, etc.).
• Supporting the development of reports (brainstorming about report content, writing, designing figures, support outreach)
• Supporting in the organisation of events, webinars, workshops

The internship is compensated with 900,00 EUR per month.

Candidate profile

The preferred candidate is a motivated master’s degree student with a high degree of responsibility, an independent working style, and a strong interest in climate diplomacy, international climate policy and German climate policy.

Essential requirements:

• Enrolment in a master’s degree (or equivalent) for the duration of the internship in a relevant field of study with a focus on environmental sciences, political science, climate change, natural sciences, public policy, sustainable development or related topic.
• Quick learning ability and openness to delve into different climate and energy-related topics.
• Excellent research skills
• Some experience with data collection and analysis
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Proficient coordination, organisation, and management skills.
• Languages: Full proficiency in German and English, other languages are an advantage.
• Eligibility to work in Germany (EU passport, enrolment at a German university or work permit for Germany).

Application procedure

If you are interested in an internship, as described above, please send us your CV including a short cover letter and, if possible, an academic transcript to date to internships@newclimate.org addressed to Lena Gentes. Important: Please include the reference number “R-IN2605” in the email subject and make sure to send all relevant information and files in a single pdf-document with a maximum size of 10 MB.

Shortlisted candidates should ideally be available for interviews on 1 or 2 of September.