Intern - UNEP Finance Initiative

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and is dedicated to conserving the environment, reducing poverty, and promoting sustainable development. Established in 1972, UNEP operates in over 100 countries and employs thousands of individuals committed to environmental sustainability and policy advocacy.

Job Overview:
The intern will be part of the UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), which is a unique global partnership between UNEP and the private financial sector. The initiative works closely with approximately 400 financial institutions that are signatories to the UNEP FI Statements of Environmental Commitment. The intern's primary role will involve supporting the UNEP FI Policy team in various tasks, including conducting research on sustainable financial regulation, contributing to policy briefs, and assisting in the organization of webinars and events. The intern will also engage in project management support, helping to coordinate efforts within the Policy team and with other thematic teams in UNEP FI. This position offers an opportunity to gain valuable experience in the intersection of finance and environmental policy, particularly in the context of sustainable finance frameworks and regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will undertake desktop research on sustainable financial regulation and finance-related themes, contribute to policy briefs, ensure coordination with other UNEP FI teams, support the preparation of info sessions and webinars, and conduct content development related to their research interests. Additionally, the intern will assist with project management tasks, including researching funding opportunities, supporting internal coordination, managing consultations, and handling communications for the Policy team. The intern will also monitor the EU sustainable finance frameworks and update existing databases related to these frameworks. Regular meetings will be planned to provide updates on the EU sustainable finance framework, and the intern will support the organization of webinars on global policy developments.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements at the time of application: be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent); or have graduated with a university degree and must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation. Relevant experience and studies in finance, economics, law, international relations/affairs, or development studies are preferred. While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be enrolled in a graduate program or in the final year of their undergraduate studies. A degree in finance, economics, law, international relations, or development studies is preferred. If the candidate has already graduated, they must provide proof of their degree and ensure that they commence the internship within a year of graduation.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. However, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the internship's focus on sustainable finance and environmental policy. This internship is particularly suited for students or recent graduates looking to gain practical experience in a global organization.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this internship. Knowledge of French is also desirable, along with additional languages such as Dutch, Spanish, and Chinese, which would be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The internship is expected to last for 6 months and is unpaid. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Candidates who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. The application process requires a completed application through the UN careers portal, including a Personal History Profile and a Cover Note detailing the candidate's qualifications and interest in the internship. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.