Intern – Project Officer Support for Plan Bleu’s Thematic Work on Resilient Cities, Sustainable Tourism, Coastal Adaptation and Nature-based Solutions in the Mediterranean
1. ABOUT PLAN BLEU
In 1976, the Mediterranean coastal countries and the European Community adopted the Barcelona Convention to protect the marine environment and its coastal areas. The signatory countries acknowledged the need to address development and environmental challenges collectively in order to build a sustainable future for the Mediterranean region.
Plan Bleu is one of the Regional Activity Centres of the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP), established under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). France has hosted Plan Bleu since 1977. Its work includes:
- des études thématiques sur différents sujets tels que l’aquaculture, le dessalement, le tourisme, la biodiversité, la durabilité des zones côtières, la finance durable,
- Developing future scenarios to raise awareness among Mediterranean stakeholders and decision-makers of environmental and sustainable development challenges across the region.
- Monitoring the state of the environment and development through its regional observatory.
Plan Bleu’s work is guided by the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development (MSSD), a regional policy framework designed to support Mediterranean countries in implementing the 2030 Agenda.
2. CONTEXTE ET MISSIONS DU STAGE
Plan Bleu develops several complementary lines of action aimed at strengthening the resilience of Mediterranean territories to the impacts of climate change, supporting the ecological transition of cities and coastal areas, and promoting sustainable tourism that respects ecosystems.
This Master’s-level internship offers a stimulating, cross-cutting opportunity to support Plan Bleu’s Project Officer working on resilient cities, Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and sustainable tourism. The position combines desk research, public policy analysis, multi-stakeholder coordination, workshop organisation and the drafting of strategic summaries.
Position overview: The intern will actively contribute to the implementation of Plan Bleu’s work programme and to the development of flagship Euro-Mediterranean cooperation projects (Interreg Euro-MED).
Main responsibilities:
- Resilient Cities and Nature-based Solutions (NbS): Support the implementation of activities focused on integrating NbS into urban and peri-urban environments, promoting resource efficiency and sustainable resource use (water, energy and land), assessing climate impacts, and drafting Terms of Reference (ToR).
- Sustainable Tourism and Regional Governance: Contribute to European projects (Adapt-Pelagos, Community 4 Tourism and NaTour4CChange) through workshop organisation, the facilitation of thematic communities, the monitoring of climate action plans, and the drafting of policy papers.
- Adaptation littorale & Prospective Climagine : Soutenir la Gestion Intégrée des Zones Côtières (GIZC) et participer au déploiement de la démarche prospective participative Climagine (guides pratiques, ateliers, indicateurs de durabilité).
- Cross-cutting Support: Contribute, as needed, to cross-cutting activities and emerging initiatives within the team, such as projects focusing on agriculture, water and biodiversity, and regional foresight.
Expected deliverables: Production of summary reports, case study briefs, workshop reports, policy briefs and methodological resources.
3. WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Le/la stagiaire sera encadré(e) conjointement par la chargée de missions en charge des thématiques du stage et le directeur.
The position will involve frequent interactions with other team members and regional partners.
4. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
- Education: Master’s degree (second year) in Environmental Sciences, Political Science, Spatial Planning, Environmental Economics or an equivalent multidisciplinary field.
- Knowledge and interests: A strong interest in ecological transition policies, resilient cities, Nature-based Solutions (NbS), sustainable tourism and coastal adaptation, particularly Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM).
- Technical skills: Excellent analytical, desk research, information synthesis and writing skills in both French and English. Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Interpersonal skills: Ability to work in a team, strong interpersonal skills and respect for established working procedures.
- Languages: Fluency in French (C1/C2). Professional proficiency in written and spoken English (C1 preferred). Knowledge of another Mediterranean language (Italian, Spanish or Arabic) would be an asset.
5. INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS AND LOCATION
- Duration and start date: Six consecutive months, starting in January 2027 (a February start date may also be considered).
- Location : Marseille, France. Remote working is possible for up to two days per week.
- Compensation and benefits: Statutory internship allowance, meal vouchers and reimbursement of transport costs in accordance with applicable regulations.
6. APPLICATION PROCESS
Please submit your CV and cover letter by 20 November 2026 to: [email protected]
