Intern - UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda. Established to promote the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The organization has been operational for several decades and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing environmental challenges. UNEP operates in numerous countries worldwide, collaborating with various stakeholders to foster sustainable practices and policies.

Job Overview:
The UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is a strategic partnership between the United Nations and over 500 banks, insurers, and investors. For over 34 years, UNEP FI has been instrumental in shaping and driving the international sustainable finance agenda, setting global standards, and fostering a global network of leading financial institutions. The intern will support the Regional coordination-team" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Coordination Team in Latin America and the Caribbean within the UNEP FI Secretariat Team. The role involves engaging with members and stakeholders across the LAC region, promoting knowledge exchange, and aiding institutions in fulfilling sustainability commitments. The intern will also assist in organizing meetings, preparing minutes, managing follow-ups, and developing presentation materials, contributing to the implementation of regional projects and communications around events, webinars, and trainings.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include supporting the Regional Coordination Team in engaging with members and stakeholders across the LAC region. This will involve promoting knowledge exchange, sharing best practices, and assisting institutions in meeting sustainability commitments such as the Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB), Principles for Sustainable Insurance (PSI), and Net Zero Alliances. The intern will help organize and coordinate meetings, prepare minutes, manage follow-ups, and develop presentation materials. Additionally, the intern will assist in designing, promoting, and executing communications for events, webinars, and trainings, and contribute to the implementation of regional projects by helping with rollout planning, coordination, and execution of deliverables.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements at the time of application: be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); be enrolled 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 background in economics, political sciences, sustainability, environmental studies, development studies, business administration, or finance is preferred. Some experience in communications will be an asset. Proof of enrolment or graduation date must be provided if selected for this position.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be a student in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in a Master’s or Ph.D. Programme, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. Programme. The field of study should be closely related to the internship type being applied for. Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience, but relevant academic qualifications are essential.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not a requirement for this internship, candidates should demonstrate a strong academic background in a relevant field. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates, and thus, any practical experience related to sustainability, finance, or environmental studies will be beneficial but not mandatory.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this internship, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Additionally, proficiency in Spanish is required, and knowledge of Portuguese is desirable, given the regional focus of the internship.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. All costs and arrangements for 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 the country where the internship is undertaken may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training.