Intern - Finance & Economics Branch

Intern - Finance & Economics Branch

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

March 24, 2026April 6, 2026GenevaSwitzerland
Job Description
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 committed to conserving the environment, reducing poverty, and promoting sustainable development. The organization operates globally, with a mission to enhance the capacity of governments, businesses, and civil society to integrate environmental considerations into economic, trade, and financial policies and practices. UNEP was established in 1972 and has since grown to include a diverse workforce of thousands of employees across various countries, working collaboratively to address pressing environmental challenges.

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 over 520 financial institutions that are signatories to the UNEP FI Statements of Environmental Commitment. The intern will support the UNEP FI Secretariat by assisting with various administrative tasks that are crucial for the smooth operation of the team. This includes ensuring that all necessary documentation for consultants and interns is prepared and submitted correctly, maintaining HR files, and coordinating with team leads to track deliverables. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
1) Assist the UNEP FI HR focal point in ensuring Consultant and Intern Terms of Reference are at the required level before submission to the Administrative Officer. Ensure due process is followed in reviewing applications for consultancies or internships. 2) Liaise with interns and consultants to ensure they submit all required paperwork for enrollment in their respective areas. Assist in onboarding by coordinating with ICTS for desk and computer setups. 3) Help maintain HR files, ensuring they are up-to-date with all required signed copies and approvals. 4) Coordinate with consultants and team leads to maintain records of monthly deliverables and activities. 5) Assist in processing consultant payroll and invoicing, tracking invoices, and filing paperwork. 6) Organize intern meetings and coaching sessions as needed. 7) Undertake additional administrative duties as required, including assisting with travel requests and approvals.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements 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 must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation. Candidates should demonstrate strong administrative skills and a sound knowledge of Human Resources, along with excellent research, communication, and writing skills in English. A high degree of motivation and self-organization is also required.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should be a final year undergraduate or master's degree student in Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related area, or a recent graduate (candidates are eligible for this position up to one year after graduation). Proof of enrollment or graduation date must be provided if selected for this position. Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience, but a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. However, candidates should have relevant academic training or coursework that would benefit the United Nations during their internship. This includes any relevant projects or volunteer work that demonstrates their capabilities and commitment to the field.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this internship. Knowledge of another UN language, such as French, is desirable and would be considered an asset in the selection process.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for 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 authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
Apply now
Similar Jobs