Intern - Climate Team

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. Established in 1972, UNEP has been at the forefront of environmental governance and advocacy, working with governments, local authorities, and industries to promote sustainable practices. With a workforce of over 1,000 employees, UNEP operates in more than 150 countries, focusing on various environmental issues including climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development. UNEP FI, a strategic partnership between the United Nations and over 500 financial institutions, has been instrumental in shaping the sustainable finance agenda for over 32 years, setting global standards and fostering a network of leading financial institutions committed to sustainability.

Job Overview:
The intern will work with the UNEP FI climate and regional teams to scale up and develop climate mitigation initiatives for commercial banks, insurers, and asset owners across various regions including Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), Africa Middle East (AME), Asia Pacific (APAC), and Europe. The role involves supporting the development and delivery of UNEP FI’s climate plans, focusing on integrating climate considerations into banking practices and fostering private sector investment towards a low-carbon economy. The intern will engage with stakeholders to raise awareness, build capacity, and facilitate the transition to sustainable finance practices, contributing to the overall mission of UNEP FI to align the financial industry with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks aimed at supporting climate mitigation initiatives, including: organizing and planning bilateral and collective engagements with banks, insurers, and asset owners; conducting regional and country analyses to identify gaps in climate transition capabilities; scoping and prioritizing capacity-building needs; delivering the LAC climate plan; designing training materials; facilitating capacity-building workshops; organizing events to accelerate financial sector decarbonization; analyzing emissions data capabilities; identifying partners for data gathering; preparing reporting materials; and translating UNEP FI materials to local contexts. This role requires a proactive approach to support the integration of climate considerations into financial decision-making processes.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); be 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. A background in finance, environmental science, business administration, international relations, financial services, or environmental affairs is essential. Industry certifications from accredited financial services and risk management institutes are highly valued. While no professional work experience is required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be pursuing or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. program in a relevant field. Proof of enrollment or a certified copy of the degree certificate must be provided with the application. The educational background should ideally align with the responsibilities of the internship, emphasizing knowledge in finance, environmental science, or related disciplines.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship. However, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic training, coursework, or skills that would benefit the United Nations during their internship. Experience in related fields, such as environmental policy, finance, or sustainability, will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this internship. Knowledge of another UN language, such as French, is desirable but not mandatory. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will enhance the intern's capacity to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to UNEP FI's initiatives.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. 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. The application process requires a completed application through the UN careers portal, including a Personal History Profile and Cover Note. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Candidates must provide proof of enrollment and a certified copy of their degree certificate if applicable. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.