Internship in the Economic and Trade Policy Unit

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is a leading global environmental authority established to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices. UNEP was founded in 1972 and has since been a catalyst for environmental change, advocating for the integration of environmental considerations into the development agenda. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to various environmental initiatives. UNEP's mission is to inspire, inform, and enable nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Economic and Trade Policy Unit (ETPU) of UNEP's Industry and Economy Division (IED) is designed to provide support for various programmatic tasks related to project design, implementation, monitoring, and reporting. The intern will engage in critical research and advocacy work focused on sustainable fiscal policy and public finance, particularly in relation to harmful subsidies in agriculture and fossil fuels. The role also involves supporting UNEP's communications efforts and contributing to the overall objectives of the unit, which aims to facilitate the transition to an inclusive green economy. The intern will gain valuable experience in the intersection of economics, trade, and environmental policy, contributing to global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: supporting programmatic tasks related to project design, implementation, monitoring, and reporting on sustainability issues; conducting policy research and advocacy work on sustainable fiscal policies; assisting in the communications efforts of UNEP ETPU and the Green Fiscal Policy Network; and providing support for the programmatic, policy, and communications needs of the unit. The intern may also be asked to assist with other activities as required by the team, ensuring a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet specific qualifications to be considered for this internship. They should be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), or be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent). Additionally, candidates who have graduated with a university degree must commence the internship within one year of graduation. A degree in related fields such as economics, environment, public policy, development, or international relations is preferred. Strong soft skills, including research and communication abilities, self-motivation, and organizational skills, are essential for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in a graduate program or being in the final year of an undergraduate program. Candidates should ideally have a degree in fields related to economics, environmental studies, public policy, development, or international relations. This educational foundation will provide the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to the work of the Economic and Trade Policy Unit.

Experience:
While prior work experience is not mandatory, candidates who have previous experience related to the green economy will be at an advantage. This experience can include internships, volunteer work, or academic projects that demonstrate an understanding of sustainable development and fiscal policy. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills and a passion for environmental issues, which will enhance their ability to contribute meaningfully to the unit's objectives.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also necessary, as it is another working language of the UN. Additionally, proficiency in another UN language, particularly Spanish, is considered desirable and may enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This internship is expected to last for a duration of six months, concluding on May 15, 202

• It is important to note that interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and all costs related to 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 Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. Furthermore, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.