UNEP FI Internship for Africa and Middle East Region

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 serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and has a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices. UNEP operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental issues, making it a pivotal organization in the global environmental landscape.

Job Overview:
The UNEP FI Internship for Africa and Middle East Region is designed to provide support to the UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), which is a strategic partnership between the United Nations and over 500 banks, insurers, and investors. The intern will work under the direct supervision of the Signatory Relations team, closely collaborating with the Africa and Middle East Regional Coordinator. The primary focus of this internship is to assist in the implementation and consolidation of outreach and coordination plans across the four regions. The intern will engage in various tasks that include writing profiles, conducting surveys, and assisting in the preparation of sustainable finance events. This role is crucial for promoting sustainable finance and aligning the financial industry with the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals.

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

• Assisting in writing country and member profiles, monitoring reporting, and establishing key areas of expertise of supporting institutions in English, Arabic, and French.
• Supporting membership surveys across the Africa and Middle East region in the same languages.
• Identifying financial institutions for outreach in line with banking, insurance, and investment membership strategies.
• Assisting with the preparation of sustainable finance events, including training and awareness-raising activities.
• Supporting the Regional Coordinator in drafting concept notes and preparing national workshops, including logistical arrangements.
• Developing public communication materials such as newsletters, website content, case studies, and quarterly member calls.
• Updating the contact database for UNEP FI Signatories and their areas of engagement.
• Assisting in writing, editing, proofreading, and preparing communications for members in the required languages.
• Supporting the creation and management of community platforms. 1
• Assisting the Regional Coordinator and Signatory Relations Manager with other necessary tasks.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements at the time of application: a. Be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); b. Be enrolled 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. The intern should be a final year undergraduate or master's degree student in fields such as development studies, economics, business administration, finance, or environmental studies. Experience in communications is also beneficial. Proof of enrollment or graduation date must be provided if selected for the position.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in a graduate program or in the final year of their undergraduate studies, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. program. The field of study should be closely related to the internship role, and applicants must demonstrate how their educational background aligns with the internship requirements. Proof of enrollment or graduation will be required at a later stage of the application process.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not required for applicants to the UN Internship Programme, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that relates to the internship. This could include internships, volunteer work, or projects that demonstrate a commitment to sustainable finance, environmental issues, or related fields.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English and French is mandatory for this internship, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of Arabic is considered desirable and would be an asset in fulfilling the responsibilities of the position, particularly in relation to the AME region.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, meaning that 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 important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. Additionally, it is emphasized that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.