Forest Financing Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is located within the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) Secretariat, which operates under the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The UNFF is dedicated to promoting sustainable management, conservation, and development of forests and trees outside of forests. The organization aims to foster long-term political commitment to these critical objectives, ensuring that forests are managed sustainably for future generations. The UNFF Secretariat plays a crucial role in facilitating international cooperation and providing a platform for dialogue among member states and stakeholders. More information about the UNFF and its initiatives can be found on their official website at www.un.org/esa/forests. The UNFF Secretariat is part of a larger network of UN organizations working towards sustainable development goals, with a focus on environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation.

Job Overview:
The selected intern will be involved in various activities related to forest financing, primarily focusing on the identification, collection, and analysis of information to update databases on the UNFF Clearing House on Forest Financing website. This role is essential for supporting the UNFF's mission to enhance the understanding and accessibility of forest financing opportunities, particularly for developing countries and those with economies in transition. The intern will report directly to the programme management officer overseeing the Clearing House on Forest Financing, ensuring that their contributions align with the organization's objectives. The internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international development and environmental policy, while also contributing to the global discourse on sustainable forest management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include conducting desk research to gather information on forest financing opportunities, learning materials, and best practices at the international level. This research will focus on the needs of developing countries and those with transitioning economies. The intern will assist in organizing this information and updating the Clearing House and UNFF websites, preparing written content for publication. Additionally, the intern will research global hubs that serve as repositories for data and knowledge on specific topics, aiming to identify best practices for enhancing the Clearing House's design. The intern will also develop knowledge summaries on forest financing topics, synthesizing information from webinars and public sources for dissemination on the Clearing House website. Other duties may be assigned as needed, providing a comprehensive experience in the workings of the UNFF Secretariat.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must be students in their final year of a bachelor's degree or enrolled in a master's or Ph.D. program, or have completed such programs. A basic understanding of development financing concepts and instruments, including grants, concessional loans, debt, guarantees, and blended finance, is essential. The internship requires the ability to conduct independent research and prepare concise summaries of findings. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are necessary to effectively convey information and collaborate with team members.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be pursuing or have completed a degree in a relevant field such as environmental science, economics, international relations, or a related discipline. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in development financing and environmental policy, equipping the intern with the necessary skills to contribute effectively to the UNFF's objectives.

Experience:
While prior experience in a related field is not mandatory, any relevant internships, volunteer work, or academic projects that demonstrate an understanding of forest financing or sustainable development will be advantageous. The internship is designed for individuals who are eager to learn and contribute to the UNFF's mission, regardless of their previous experience level.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The internship is expected to last a minimum of two months, with the possibility of extension up to six months. The anticipated start date is 15 September 202

• The position is unpaid and can be either full-time or part-time, with full-time interns working 35 hours a week. Interns will be based at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and will work under the supervision of a UN staff member. The internship may offer a hybrid or remote setting based on the successful candidate's request. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses, and must have access to a personal laptop capable of supporting their internship duties. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.