Written by admin• June 4, 2026• 12:25 pm• Opportunities for Women, Trending

Call for Applications: UNOPS STEM Trainee Programme 2026

Application Deadline: June 12, 2026

About the Traineeship

At the critical intersection of sustainable energy, private equity, and national policy, the STEM Trainee will work. In the financial sector, hands-on experience will be gained by trainees. Through a combination of high-level project involvement and targeted professional development, this programme is designed to build the technical expertise and soft skills necessary to catalyze a successful career in the global energy sector. For a traineeship programme in Nigeria, recent women graduates are being recruited by SEforALL. With a focus on clean energy and unlocking financing for SDG 7, hands-on technical training will be provided through the traineeship. In the implementation of activities, STEM Trainees will work closely with Government officials and project partners. An affirmative vacancy for candidates identifying as women between the age of 18 and 35 in Nigeria, that is, only applicants identifying as women residing in Nigeria will be considered.

About Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL)

On the energy transition in emerging and developing countries, a global mandate to accelerate progress is held by Sustainable Energy for All. Hosted by UNOPS, at the intersection of energy, climate and development, we work, partnering with governments and organizations worldwide to end energy poverty, double energy efficiency, significantly expand renewable energy and combat climate change. A world where everyone, everywhere, can lead a dignified life on a healthy planet, powered by sustainable energy, is our vision. By pushing for higher ambitions, stronger policies, greater finance flows, increased localization and green jobs, and faster results toward an energy transition that leaves no one behind, this vision is promoted. In 2011, the Sustainable Energy for All initiative was launched by former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Job-Specific Context

Without ensuring gender equality, the just and equitable energy transition cannot be achieved and sustained. Gendered, the global energy access gap is, and the everyday consequences of energy poverty are disproportionately borne by women and girls. From entry- and mid-level positions to boardrooms, women are under-represented in the energy sector at the same time. In the policy and decision-making that affects them, women are less likely to have a voice as a result. In the just and equitable energy transition, women and youth are centered by SEforALL’s Gender & Youth (G&Y) programme through supporting their entry into and career progression within the sector, as well as empowering the next generation of women and youth leaders. In Ghana, Kenya, Panama, Sierra Leone and Tanzania, similar traineeships have been conducted by SEforALL.

Traineeship Structure

Of two programmatic elements, the six-months STEM Traineeship programme will be comprised:

Element 1: Virtual trainings on professional development, including soft skills, and relevant technical topics
Element 2: Activity-based technical trainings, providing hands-on practical experience through the provision of support to project partners on the various activities

Role Purpose

SEforALL’s key energy access initiatives in Nigeria will be supported by the STEM Trainees, under the supervision of the Programme Manager, Gender & Youth. Technical project assistance, data analysis for energy planning, and supporting the operationalization of renewable energy financing mechanisms are the focus of the role.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Part of a Nigerian cohort, the STEM Trainee will be, with the traineeship focused on the following areas:

Technical Support and Operations:

For the implementation of gender- and youth-responsive energy activities, technical support will be provided
In coordinating activities, meetings, and resources necessary for the successful execution of energy-focused initiatives, the project team will be assisted
In energy audits, site visits & needs assessments for in-country workstreams, participation will occur

Financial Platform Support and Trainings:

By refining and validating project data entries, the implementation of the Sustainable Energy Finance Developers Platform will be supported
In developing training curricula and knowledge-sharing materials for developers, financial institutions, and policymakers, the project team will be supported
By analyzing cost structures and learning the impact of different capital types (e.g., grants, debt, equity) on project bankability, the development of financial models will be assisted
In tracking financing commitments and emerging funding mechanisms within the clean energy ecosystem, the team will be supported

Monitoring:

In data collection exercises and market research on climate finance trends, project partners will be supported
With data analysis, platform performance tracking, monitoring of user experience and feedback and regular project reporting, support will be provided

Engagement in Climate Finance, Policy & Advocacy:

To initiatives promoting sustainable energy finance and tracking financing commitments in the clean energy ecosystem, contribution will be made
Into viability gaps and the role of various financial instruments in driving sustainable energy projects, insights will be gained
In advocacy efforts to raise awareness for sustainable energy finance policies and support in stakeholder engagement initiatives, participation will occur

Communications & Social Media:

To promote project visibility, sustainability practices, and advocacy efforts, social media channels will be used
Engaging digital content, including posts, videos, and graphics, to share across social media channels (e.g., Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn) will be created and published

In addition to attending supplementary training programmes arranged by SEforALL, participation in daily activities and authorised site visits will also be expected of trainees.

Training Components

Soft Skills Training:

Career development (including resume development, interviewing, networking, and mentorship)
Communications and social media training

Technical Training:

Knowledge of energy implementation, gender & youth-responsive energy activities, and site assessment methodologies
Appropriate use of financial modeling tools, viability analysis, and data platforms
Familiarity with monitoring tools and framework (market research, performance tracking, and reporting)
Introduction to climate finance mechanisms and capital structures for energy activities

Eligibility Requirements

Education:

In a university programme such as Bachelor, Masters or Ph.D. (or the equivalent), applicants should be enrolled OR have graduated from such studies within three (3) years prior to their application, in a STEM field (i.e., sciences, renewable energy, engineering, data science, geographic information systems, or related areas)

Experience:

Prior work experience is not required for applicants
In energy, engineering, finance, communications or related fields, prior experience would be an advantage

Language Requirements:

English (Fluent) – Required
French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian (Intermediate) – Desirable

Additional Requirements:

Identification as a woman is required
Between the ages of 18 and 35 is required
Residence in Nigeria is required

Why This Traineeship Matters

Gendered, the global energy access gap is. The everyday consequences of energy poverty are disproportionately borne by women and girls, yet from entry-level positions to boardrooms, women are under-represented in the energy sector. In the policy and decision-making that affects them, women are less likely to have a voice as a result. By providing hands-on technical training in clean energy and climate finance, targeting recent women graduates in STEM fields (sciences, renewable energy, engineering, data science, GIS, or related areas), combining soft skills development (career development, networking, mentorship) with technical training, offering practical experience working with Government officials and project partners in Nigeria, and building a pipeline of women energy professionals who can lead the just and equitable energy transition, the UNOPS STEM Traineeship addresses this gap. For recent women graduates in Nigeria with degrees in STEM fields, a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the intersection of sustainable energy, finance, and policy, working with a global organization hosted by the United Nations, is offered by this six-month traineeship.

Traineeship Details