Intern - Economic and Fiscal Policy Unit

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the designated entity within the United Nations system that addresses environmental issues at both global and regional levels. Established to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus, UNEP plays a critical role in keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP's Industry and Economy Division collaborates with international and non-governmental organizations, national and local governments, businesses, and industries to develop and implement policies, strategies, and practices that are cleaner and safer, incorporate environmental costs, utilize natural resources efficiently, reduce pollution, and mitigate risks to humans and the environment. The organization aims to enable the implementation of conventions and international agreements, focusing on sustainable development and poverty reduction through environmental conservation. The Resources and Markets Branch, which is part of UNEP's Industry and Economy Division, is dedicated to enhancing the capacity of various stakeholders to integrate environmental considerations into economic and financial policies and practices, aligning with sustainable development goals. Over recent years, the branch has concentrated on UNEP's initiatives related to the Green Economy, emphasizing the importance of transitioning to inclusive and green economies.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Economic and Fiscal Policy Unit of UNEP is designed for individuals who are eager to contribute to research and capacity-building efforts aimed at facilitating the transition to inclusive and green economies. The intern will engage in various tasks that involve conducting research and quantitative analysis in environmental economics, with a particular focus on public finance, fiscal policy, and sustainable investment. The role requires the intern to support the development, validation, and application of economic and econometric tools, such as forecasting, simulations, and scenario analysis, which are essential for informing green transition strategies and fiscal recommendations. The intern will also contribute to policy research on sustainable fiscal policy and public finance, including assessments of subsidies and other key financial instruments. Furthermore, the intern will prepare reports, policy briefs, case studies, and presentations on topics related to green public finance and macroeconomic analysis, ensuring that all outputs are evidence-based and aligned with UNEP's objectives. The position also involves conducting background research and desk reviews on environmental and public finance issues across various sectors, performing statistical analyses using tools like Matlab, GAMS, EViews, R, or Excel, and supporting Programme Managers with project management tasks. The intern will assist in organizing meetings and stakeholder engagements at international forums related to public finance, economics, and the environment, and will contribute to UNEP's engagement with the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action, focusing on climate-related fiscal policy work and knowledge exchanges. Additionally, the intern will be involved in research and policy work on sustainable infrastructure investment, identifying financing barriers and enabling conditions for resilient and low-carbon infrastructure.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including: conducting research and quantitative analysis in environmental economics, particularly in public finance and fiscal policy; supporting the development and validation of economic and econometric tools for green transition strategies; contributing to policy research on sustainable fiscal policy and public finance; preparing reports, policy briefs, case studies, and presentations on green public finance and macroeconomic analysis; conducting background research and desk reviews on environmental and public finance issues; performing statistical analyses using tools such as Matlab, GAMS, EViews, R, or Excel; assisting Programme Managers with project management tasks, including tracking deliverables and coordinating with national counterparts; contributing to the drafting and review of policy frameworks on sustainability and public finance; organizing meetings, events, and stakeholder engagements at international forums; supporting UNEP's engagement with the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action; and contributing to research on sustainable infrastructure investment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be enrolled in a graduate program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) in Economics, Public Policy, Finance, Sustainable Development, or a related field. Alternatively, candidates may 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, with the condition that they begin the internship within one year of graduation. Applicants should possess computer literacy and be comfortable with standard software applications. A strong interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the values of the UN Charter are essential. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to work respectfully and effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and be open to differing perspectives and viewpoints.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in a graduate program in relevant fields such as Economics, Public Policy, Finance, Sustainable Development, or a related discipline. Candidates who are in their final year of a bachelor's degree program or have recently graduated are also eligible, provided they can commence the internship within one year of graduation. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of environmental economics and public finance.

Experience:
The level of experience required for this position is primarily academic, as candidates are expected to be enrolled in or have recently completed a relevant degree program. While prior work experience is not explicitly required, any relevant internships, volunteer work, or academic projects related to environmental economics, public finance, or sustainable development would be advantageous. The internship is designed to provide practical experience and exposure to the workings of the United Nations and its initiatives in environmental policy and sustainable development.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also required, as it is another working language of the UN. Additionally, proficiency in another UN language is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
Interns at the United Nations are not financially remunerated, and all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, it is emphasized that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training, and does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.