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Sustainability Trainee

International Olympic Committee – IOC • Switzerland • Added on Jul 3, 2026
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Join the Olympic Games Department to support the delivery of a global sustainability strategy. You will assist the core team in managing environmental projects, from climate action and biodiversity initiatives to circularity in procurement. Your daily work involves preparing high-level presentations for international partners and tracking progress through carbon footprint dashboards.

This role is unique because it places you at the intersection of elite sports and global environmental advocacy. You will help drive the Olympic Movement’s commitment to frameworks like Sport for Nature, ensuring that the world’s most-watched sporting event leaves a positive legacy. This is a rare chance to influence how major international federations and commercial partners integrate sustainability into their operations.

This suits someone who is a recent graduate with a passion for project management and a strong desire to see how large-scale events can act as a catalyst for environmental change on a global stage.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The trainee will primarily focus on supporting the implementation of the IOC Sustainability Strategy across its three spheres of responsibility: as an organization, as the owner of the Olympic Games, and as the leader of the Olympic Movement. This involves helping to manage specific workstreams such as carbon footprint reporting and procurement projects. You will also be tasked with coordinating logistics and content for major institutional meetings. This includes preparing invitations, facilitation materials, and follow-up documents for high-level interactions with partners like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) or the UNFCCC.

Key learning opportunities for this job

This position offers unparalleled exposure to global sustainability frameworks specialized for the sports sector, such as the Sport for Climate Action and Sport for Nature frameworks. You will learn how a major international organization tracks and reports on complex carbon footprints and circular economy targets. Furthermore, you will gain hands-on experience in international project management, learning how to navigate the complexities of multi-stakeholder environments involving national committees, commercial partners, and non-governmental organizations.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate is a recent graduate with a degree in sustainability or a related field and at least one year of professional experience. High proficiency in the Microsoft 365 suite is essential, as the role requires significant data management and presentation design. Beyond technical skills, the IOC looks for individuals who are culturally agile and can interact constructively with people from over 70 nationalities. A proactive mindset, critical thinking skills, and a strong command of social media platforms like LinkedIn for advocacy purposes are highly valued.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate a clear understanding of the Olympic values and how sport can uniquely contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Tailor your application to highlight any experience you have with carbon accounting or circular procurement, as these are specific technical areas mentioned in the brief. Since the role involves working with institutional partners like the IUCN and UNFCCC, mentioning your familiarity with their global climate and biodiversity targets will show that you are ready to contribute to high-level discussions from day one.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role covers the full spectrum of the IOC's environmental commitments, with a particular emphasis on Climate Action and Biodiversity. You will likely work on the Athlete Sustainability Ambassador program, which focuses on leveraging athlete voices for social and environmental impact. Additionally, there is a strong focus on sustainable procurement. You will help implement circularity principles to ensure that the vast supply chains required for the Olympic Games and the IOC headquarters minimize waste and resource consumption.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the primary challenges is the scale and complexity of the Olympic Movement. Managing expectations and aligning sustainability goals across diverse stakeholders, such as commercial partners and international sports federations, requires significant diplomatic skill and patience. Another challenge involves the rigorous reporting requirements. Maintaining accuracy in progress dashboards and carbon footprint tracking for such a high-profile organization necessitates meticulous attention to detail and ability to handle large volumes of data.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with a team meeting to discuss the progress of the IOC Climate Action Awards, followed by drafting a presentation for an upcoming session with a Worldwide Olympic Partner. You might spend your afternoon analyzing procurement data to update a sustainability dashboard. You will also likely coordinate with the communications team to prepare content for LinkedIn or attend a virtual briefing with an Organizing Committee for a future Olympic Games to discuss their environmental legacy plans.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

As a trainee in a prestigious international organization, you will build a global professional network that is nearly unmatched in the sports and sustainability sector. This role serves as a significant springboard for careers in international relations, ESG consulting, or CSR within major corporations. While this is a 12-month internship, the exposure to cross-functional projects and various departments within the IOC provides a holistic view of how a major NGO operates, opening doors for future roles in global sport governance or environmental advocacy.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will regularly interact with the IOC Sustainability Team and other departments within the Olympic Games division. Externally, you will engage with representatives from National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and International Federations (IFs). Other key stakeholders include Worldwide Olympic Partners (commercial sponsors), and institutional partners such as the UN and IUCN, where you will assist in maintaining collaborative frameworks for environmental protection.

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