UNEP FI Academic Engagement Taskforce Internship

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 to serve as an authoritative advocate for the global environment, UNEP has been instrumental in encouraging decision-makers in government, local authorities, and industry to adopt sustainable practices. The organization operates globally, with a mission to promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, ensure the efficient use of natural resources, and contribute to the safe management of chemicals. UNEP FI, a strategic partnership between the United Nations and over 500 financial institutions, has been shaping the international sustainable finance agenda for over 32 years, setting global standards and fostering a network of leading financial institutions.

Job Overview:
The UNEP FI Academic Engagement Taskforce Internship is designed for individuals who are passionate about sustainable finance and wish to contribute to bridging the gap between market actors and researchers. The intern will support the follow-up phase of the Academic Engagement Taskforce, which aims to enhance academic engagement in sustainable finance, particularly in banking and insurance sectors. The role involves collaborating with the Academic Engagement Lead to track outcomes from the Global Roundtable 2026 and develop a prioritized action plan for future initiatives. The intern will also assist in expanding academic engagement, designing regional engagement formats, publishing research briefs, and coordinating outreach programs. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of academia and finance, contributing to impactful research and initiatives that align with the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Supporting follow-up on Taskforce outcomes and synthesizing recommendations from the Global Roundtable 202
• Assisting in expanding academic engagement with banking and insurance teams, including developing a legal review note on data access.
• Designing and delivering regional sessions at UNEP FI roundtables.
• Publishing priority research questions and producing regular research briefs.
• Contributing to the design of a researcher engagement window for universities and data providers.
• Coordinating a webinar series and member outreach program on research findings.
• Identifying seed grants or awards for collaborative research.
• Maintaining a stakeholder map and providing secretariat support for the follow-up workstream.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: a. Be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); b. Be 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 analytical and research skills, ideally with a focus on sustainable finance or related fields. Familiarity with academic literature and complex concepts is essential, along with excellent writing and communication skills in English. Experience with academic databases and data visualization tools is advantageous.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be pursuing or have completed a Master’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Environmental Studies, or related fields. Proof of enrollment or graduation date is required upon selection. Applicants must be students in their final year of a first university degree, Master’s, or Ph.D. program, or have completed such programs. The internship is open to those who have graduated within the last year, ensuring that recent graduates can apply their knowledge in a practical setting.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not required for this internship, candidates should have a field of study closely related to the internship type they are applying for. Exposure to sustainable finance and financial institutions is considered a strong asset, as it will enhance the intern's ability to contribute effectively to the tasks at hand.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of another UN language, such as French, is desirable but not required. Given that English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, proficiency in these languages will facilitate effective communication within the organization.

Additional Notes:
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. It is crucial for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.