Intern - Climate Finance Unit

Intern - Climate Finance Unit

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

May 12, 2026May 30, 2026NairobiKenya
Job Description
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 highlighting emerging issues that require attention from governments and the international community. The organization works to encourage decision-makers across various sectors, including government, local communities, and industry, to adopt policies that promote the efficient use of natural resources, climate adaptation, and sustainable consumption and production patterns. UNEP operates through various divisions, including the Climate Change Division, which collaborates with international and national partners to provide technical assistance and capacity development aimed at strengthening the environmental management capabilities of developing countries and those with transitioning economies. UNEP is committed to fostering sustainable development through sound environmental practices and policies, and it operates in numerous countries worldwide, engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders to achieve its mission.

Job Overview:
This internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is situated within the Climate Change Division of UNEP, specifically in the Adaptation & Resilience Branch, focusing on the Climate Finance Unit (CFU) based in Nairobi, Kenya. The intern will work under the supervision of the Programme Manager and will be tasked with supporting the CFU Communications Lead in the development and implementation of the Unit's communications strategy across both digital and traditional channels. The role is designed to provide the intern with hands-on experience in communications within an international organization, particularly in the context of climate finance and environmental policy. The intern will engage in various activities, including drafting and editing communications materials, assisting in the design of visual communications, documenting events, and maintaining the Unit's online presence. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to UNEP's mission while gaining valuable insights into the workings of international environmental governance and climate finance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of duties that include:
  • Supporting the CFU Communications Lead in developing and implementing the Unit's communications strategy across various channels.
  • Drafting, editing, and proofreading communications materials such as newsletters, blog posts, social media content, press releases, and website updates.
  • Assisting in the design and production of visual communications materials, including infographics, fact sheets, brochures, and presentation templates.
  • Documenting CFU events, workshops, and milestones through photography, note-taking, and post-event write-ups.
  • Maintaining and updating the Unit's online presence, including website content and social media accounts.
  • Monitoring media coverage and compiling media roundups related to the Unit's work on climate finance, nature-based solutions, and sustainable land use.
  • Participating in CFU's internal meetings and assisting the team in preparing report documents and communication resources.
  • Supporting any other duties as needed by the team.

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 ideal candidates will have a degree or background in fields such as International Relations, Geography, Environmental Science, Energy Policy, Communications, Business Administration, or a related discipline that focuses on climate change, sustainable development, and/or international environmental governance. This educational background is essential to ensure that the intern can effectively contribute to the CFU's objectives and understand the complexities of climate finance and environmental policy.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes either being currently enrolled in or having completed a graduate school programme (which is defined as a second university degree or equivalent, or higher) or being enrolled in or having completed the final academic year of a first university degree programme, which must be at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent. The organization encourages applicants with degrees in relevant fields such as International Relations, Geography, Environmental Science, Energy Policy, Communications, Business Administration, or other related disciplines that emphasize climate change, sustainable development, and international environmental governance. This educational foundation is crucial for the intern to effectively engage with the tasks and responsibilities associated with the position.

Experience:
The level of experience required for this internship is not explicitly stated, but it is implied that candidates should have some familiarity with the fields related to climate change and environmental policy. The internship is designed for individuals who are either currently pursuing their studies or have recently completed their degrees, suggesting that prior professional experience may not be necessary. However, any relevant experience, such as internships, volunteer work, or academic projects related to communications, environmental issues, or climate finance, would be advantageous and could enhance the candidate's application.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this internship, fluency in spoken and written English is required, which means that candidates must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in all four areas of language use: reading, writing, speaking, and understanding. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in these areas. Additionally, knowledge of French is considered beneficial, although it is not mandatory. Candidates who possess strong language skills in both English and French will have an advantage in this role, as they will be better equipped to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the Unit's communications efforts.

Additional Notes:
Interns at the United Nations are not financially remunerated, meaning that they will not receive a salary or stipend for their work. As such, all costs and arrangements related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. It is important for interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Kenya, where the internship is based, to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. Successful candidates are encouraged to discuss their specific visa requirements with the organization prior to accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, processing, or training. The organization also does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.
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