UNEP FI Nature 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 in 1972, UNEP has been at the forefront of environmental governance and advocacy, working to encourage sustainable practices across various sectors. With a workforce of thousands of employees, UNEP operates in over 150 countries, collaborating with governments, local authorities, and industries to foster sustainable development and environmental protection. UNEP FI, a strategic partnership between the United Nations and over 500 financial institutions, has been instrumental in shaping the sustainable finance agenda for over 34 years, setting global standards and fostering a network of leading financial institutions committed to sustainability.

Job Overview:
The UNEP FI Nature Internship offers a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about environmental sustainability and finance. The intern will join a motivated team within UNEP FI, reporting to the team lead and engaging in various initiatives aimed at integrating nature finance into the financial sector. The role involves supporting the alignment of financial flows with the Global Biodiversity Framework, conducting desktop research on nature and finance-related themes, and assisting in the development of presentations and briefing notes. The intern will also provide project coordination and administrative support, contributing to ongoing projects and initiatives. This position is ideal for candidates looking to gain hands-on experience in the intersection of finance and environmental sustainability, particularly in relation to biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of tasks, including: 1) Supporting internal work on aligning financial flows with the Global Biodiversity Framework, focusing on portfolio alignment, blue/ocean finance, and biodiversity credits. 2) Conducting desktop research on nature and finance-related themes, analyzing metrics, indicators, and data. 3) Collating information from various sources, including technical reports and industry publications, and summarizing academic publications into digestible highlights. 4) Drafting targeted presentations, briefing notes, and speaking points based on applied research. 5) Providing project coordination, administrative, and communications support for ongoing projects, including maintaining tracking sheets and organizing meetings. 6) Taking initiative on a piece of applied research relevant to the intern's interests, as agreed with the supervisor. 7) Supporting the team with ad-hoc tasks and activities as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be final year undergraduate or master’s degree students in Environmental Studies, Finance, Business Administration, or related fields, or recent graduates (within one year of graduation). Proof of enrollment or graduation date is required. Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: a) Be enrolled in a graduate school program; b) Be in the final academic year of a first university degree program; c) Have graduated with a university degree and must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation. While professional work experience is not required, a relevant field of study is essential. Candidates should demonstrate strong quantitative and technical skills related to ecosystems and finance, as well as excellent research, communication, and writing skills in English.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have completed or be close to completing a master’s degree or a strong undergraduate degree in a relevant domain such as Environmental Studies, Finance, or Business Administration. Candidates must provide proof of enrollment or graduation date upon selection for the internship. The educational background should align closely with the responsibilities of the internship, emphasizing the importance of relevant academic training in environmental finance and sustainability.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have a strong academic background in a relevant field. Exposure to banking, finance, or insurance industries is considered an advantage, as it will enhance the intern's ability to contribute effectively to the team's initiatives. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates, allowing them to gain practical experience in a professional setting.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN language, such as French, is desirable and would be beneficial for communication within the organization and with international partners.

Additional Notes:
This internship is not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important 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.