Sustainable Fiscal Policy and Public Finance Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is a leading global environmental authority established in 197

• UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices and to serve as an advocate for the environment within the United Nations system. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a diverse workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. UNEP plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable development by providing leadership and encouraging partnerships in caring for the environment. It acts as a catalyst, educator, and facilitator to promote sustainable development through the effective use of the global environment.

Job Overview:
The Sustainable Fiscal Policy and Public Finance Intern will be positioned within UNEP's Industry and Economy Division (IED), which is instrumental in the Green Economy Initiative. This initiative aims to transition national economies towards sustainable practices by promoting investments in green sectors and encouraging consumer preferences for sustainable goods and services. The intern will engage with the Finance and Economics Branch, which focuses on the intersection of economics, trade, and finance with environmental sustainability. The role involves supporting various programmatic tasks related to project design, implementation, monitoring, and reporting, particularly in areas such as net-zero and nature-positive integration, sustainable fiscal policy, and public finance. The intern will also contribute to policy research and advocacy efforts, particularly concerning harmful subsidies and sustainable budgeting, while assisting in communications efforts for UNEP's Economic and Fiscal Policy Unit (EFPU) and the Green Fiscal Policy Network.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of tasks, including but not limited to: supporting programmatic tasks related to project design, implementation, monitoring, and reporting for projects focused on sustainable fiscal policy and public finance; conducting policy research and advocacy work related to sustainable fiscal policies, including harmful subsidies in agriculture and fossil fuels; assisting in the communications efforts of UNEP EFPU and the Green Fiscal Policy Network; and providing support for the programmatic, policy, and communications needs of the unit. The intern may also be required to assist the team with additional activities as requested, ensuring that all tasks align with UNEP's mission and objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria at the time of application: be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent); or have graduated with a university degree and must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation. A degree in related fields such as economics, environment, public policy, development, or international relations is preferred. While professional work experience is not required for applicants to the UN Internship Programme, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess a degree in a relevant field such as economics, environmental science, public policy, development studies, or international relations. The educational background should ideally align with the responsibilities of the internship, providing a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of sustainable fiscal policies and public finance.

Experience:
While previous work experience is not mandatory for applicants to the UN Internship Programme, candidates who have experience or coursework related to the green economy or sustainable development will be at an advantage. The internship is designed for individuals who are either currently enrolled in a relevant academic program or have recently graduated, thus emphasizing the importance of academic knowledge over professional experience.

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 essential, 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 application.

Additional Notes:
Internships with the United Nations Secretariat are unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Candidates who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process remains accessible and equitable.