Intern

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 as a result of the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, UNEP has grown to operate in over 100 countries with a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and civil society, to integrate environmental considerations into economic, trade, and financial policies and practices. UNEP's Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is a unique global partnership between UNEP and the private financial sector, working closely with over 500 financial institutions to promote sustainability practices in financial operations.

Job Overview:
The intern will join the UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) team, which focuses on integrating environmental sustainability into financial decision-making. The role involves supporting thematic work across ocean finance through the Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Initiative (SBE FI) and industries via the Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB). The intern will be responsible for coordinating work, supporting small-scale research, and assisting with technical outputs aimed at UNEP FI members. This position requires strong communication and coordination skills, as the intern will engage with various stakeholders, including insurance members and external experts. The intern will also be involved in organizing meetings and events, conducting research on sustainable insurance topics, and maintaining the web presence of the Principles for Sustainable Insurance initiative (PSI). The intern will report to the team co-lead and will have the opportunity to work on topics of personal interest, contributing to the overall mission of UNEP FI to promote sustainable finance practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will undertake a variety of tasks to support the UNEP FI Secretariat, including:

• Communicating with insurance members and various external stakeholders to facilitate collaboration and information sharing.
• Assisting in the program management of the Principles for Sustainable Insurance (PSI) and other insurance initiatives, including the V20 Sustainable Insurance Facility and Insurance for Nature Positive.
• Organizing meetings and events, ensuring logistical arrangements and content development are effectively managed.
• Conducting research on sustainable insurance topics to support the development of best practices and guidelines.
• Keeping the PSI web presence updated with relevant information and resources.
• Participating in meetings and calls with insurance members, experts, and external stakeholders to gather insights and contribute to discussions.
• Assisting with additional tasks as needed and working on topics of personal interest that align with UNEP FI's objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria at the time of application: a. Be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); b. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent); c. Have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation. Candidates should demonstrate a strong academic background in Environmental Studies, Finance, Business Administration, or related fields. The intern must provide proof of enrollment or graduation date if selected for the position. While no professional work experience is required, a field of study closely related to the internship is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have completed, or be close to completing, a master’s degree or a strong undergraduate degree in a relevant domain such as Environmental Studies, Finance, Business Administration, or other related themes. Final year undergraduate or master’s degree students are eligible for this position, as well as recent graduates within one year of their graduation date. Proof of enrollment or graduation will be required upon selection.

Experience:
While no prior professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should possess relevant academic knowledge and skills related to ecosystems and finance, particularly in risk and sustainable finance. Exposure to banking, finance, and/or insurance industries is considered an asset, and candidates should demonstrate strong quantitative and technical skills relevant to the position.

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 another UN language, such as French, is desirable and would be considered an advantage in the application process.

Additional Notes:
This internship is expected to last for a duration of six months and is not financially remunerated by the United Nations. 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 Personal History Profile and Cover Note through the UN careers portal, and incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Candidates must include their degree title, graduation date, IT skills, and a statement explaining their suitability for the internship. Additionally, proof of enrollment or a copy of the degree certificate is required. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.