Intern - Climate Finance 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 crucial role in keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The organization works to encourage decision-makers in government, local communities, and industry to adopt policies that promote the efficient use of natural resources, climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, and sustainable patterns of consumption and production. UNEP operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various environmental challenges and solutions.

Job Overview:
This internship is situated within UNEP's Climate Change Division, specifically in the Adaptation & Resilience Branch, Climate Finance Unit, located in Nairobi, Kenya. The intern will work under the supervision of the Programme Manager and will be involved in a variety of tasks aimed at supporting the Unit's objectives. The role is designed to provide the intern with practical experience in the field of climate finance, resource mobilization, and environmental policy implementation. The intern will have the opportunity to engage with international and national partners, contributing to the development of strategies that enhance the environmental management capacity of developing countries and those with economies in transition. The position is expected to last for a duration of six months, during which the intern will gain valuable insights into the workings of a major international organization and its efforts to combat climate change.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of tasks that include supporting the monitoring of calls for proposals, identifying funding opportunities, and assisting in drafting concept notes and proposals. Additionally, the intern will conduct market research and competitive landscape analysis to bolster the Unit's fundraising strategy, which involves mapping donor priorities, funding trends, and partnership opportunities. The preparation of pitch decks, presentations, and briefing materials for donor engagement and partnership development will also be part of the intern's responsibilities. Furthermore, the intern will compile data, case studies, and impact narratives for inclusion in fundraising and reporting documents. Coordination with other units to identify areas of synergy and mutual interventions will be essential, as will participation in internal meetings and assisting the team in preparing report documents and communication resources. The intern may also be required to support other duties as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). The organization encourages applicants with a degree or background in fields such as International Relations, Geography, Environmental Science, Energy Policy, Communications, Business Administration, or related disciplines that focus on climate change, sustainable development, and/or international environmental governance.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes either a graduate school programme or a first university degree. Specifically, candidates should have completed or be in the process of completing a degree that is relevant to the position, such as those mentioned in the required qualifications. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of climate finance and environmental policy.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandated, candidates are expected to have a foundational understanding of climate change issues and environmental governance. Any relevant internships, volunteer work, or academic projects that demonstrate an interest in these areas will be beneficial. The internship is designed for individuals who are looking to gain practical experience in the field, and thus, a willingness to learn and engage with the subject matter is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Additionally, knowledge of French is advantageous, as it is also a working language of the UN. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding), while 'knowledge of' indicates a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
Interns at the United Nations are not financially remunerated, meaning that they will not receive a salary for their work. All costs and arrangements related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. For those who are not citizens or permanent residents of Kenya, it may be necessary to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. It is important to note 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.