CIEL Internship 2026 in Switzerland | Paid Legal Internship in Geneva

CIEL (Centre for International Environmental Law) is a non-profit organisation working at the intersection of environmental law, human rights and global policy. It has offices in Geneva, Switzerland, and Washington, DC.

The applications are now open for the CIEL Internship 2026 in Switzerland. It is a paid internship in Geneva available for international students from any country. The internship duration is 12 to24 weeks, and CIEL will provide visa sponsorship for selected applicants who need it.

Interns will receive a monthly stipend of 2,660 CHF. CIEL, short for the Center for International Environmental Law, offers these internships to help law students gain hands-on experience in international environmental law and human rights protection.

This program is a good opportunity for those who want to explore legal work in global environmental and human rights policy.

Benefits of the Internship

• Monthly stipend of approximately 2,660 CHF for full-time interns in Geneva, making the opportunity financially viable for international applicants.
• Visa sponsorship may be provided depending on the applicant’s nationality and legal status–making the process easier for non-Swiss students.
• Real-world legal experience in a respected international organisation, working on research, policy briefs, advocacy and legal strategy — which adds significant value for early-career professionals.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the CIEL Internship 2026 in Geneva you must meet the following:

• Be enrolled in a graduate programme leading to a degree from an accredited university for the duration of the internship OR have already completed a legal degree (LLM, JD or equivalent).
• Have a legal education background – applicants must be working toward or have already completed a legal degree.
• Be available for a minimum of 12 weeks and a maximum of 24 weeks, with a minimum commitment of about 24 hours/week.
• Possess experience (academic or work) in international environmental law, human rights law or comparable fields.
• Be willing to work on-site in Geneva; remote internships for the Geneva office are not permitted.

Required Documents

When you apply, you’ll need to prepare and submit:

Application Process: How to Apply

Here’s a step-by-step guide to submitting your application for the CIEL Internship:

1. Visit CIEL’s official careers or internship webpage (Geneva office) and locate the internship listing (e.g., “Spring 2026 Legal Internship – Geneva”). UNjobs+1
2. Review the internship description carefully: eligibility, duration, stipend, required documents, and start date.
3. Prepare your application materials (cover letter, CV, writing sample, transcripts etc.). Check that all documents are in English and, if required, in PDF format.
4. Complete the online application form (or email submission, depending on the listing). Upload or attach your documents.
5. Submit your application before the official deadline. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered. Adzuna
6. After submission, wait for short-listing. If selected, you may be invited to an interview or asked for additional documentation. Final offers will be communicated by email.
7. Upon selection, arrange travel, visa, accommodation and prepare for your role in Geneva.

Tips for applicants:

• Tailor your cover letter: highlight your legal interests in environment/human rights and how you align with CIEL’s mission.
• Use writing sample to showcase your analytical and legal-writing strengths.
• Ensure your CV includes any relevant courses, internships or projects in environmental law or human rights.
• Check visa/immigration requirements early if you are an international applicant needing sponsorship.

Fields and Areas of Internship

Interns at CIEL Geneva engage in work across a number of domains:

• Legal research and writing on environmental and human-rights law, trade and investment law as they relate to the environment.
• Support for policy advocacy, preparation of legal opinions, assisting in submissions to international tribunals.
• Participation in meetings, conferences or workshops relevant to CIEL’s mission and programmes.

Selection Procedure

The selection process is competitive and considers:

• Academic background and legal qualifications.
• Quality of writing sample and demonstrable interest in environmental/human rights law.
• Suitability of the applicant to work in a multicultural international nonprofit environment.
• Availability for the required duration and willingness to be based in Geneva.
• For shortlisted candidates: possible interview or further assessment.

Successful candidates join CIEL’s Geneva office and work under supervision of attorneys and researchers. Past intern records show interns from more than 50 countries, reflecting the international nature of the programme.

Application Deadline

For the Spring 2026 intake in Geneva, the deadline is 2 November 2025 (11:59 pm CET). Start dates typically begin in January 2026 for the session listed.

Note: Deadlines may vary slightly depending on the session or programme area — always check the official CIEL listing for your specific intake.

Final Remark

The CIEL Internship 2026 in Geneva is a compelling chance for early-career law professionals who wish to engage with so-called “front-line” legal issues at the intersection of environment and human rights. With a monthly stipend and real-world legal tasks, it stands out as both an educational and career-building opportunity.

If you meet the criteria, prepare your documents carefully, apply ahead of the deadline and highlight how your legal skills and interests align with CIEL’s mission.