UNEP FI Policy Internship

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Established in 1972, UNEP has been instrumental in shaping international environmental policy and action. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of individuals dedicated to environmental sustainability and advocacy. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it works closely with governments, local authorities, and industries to promote policies and strategies that foster sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Job Overview:
The UNEP FI Policy Internship is designed to support the Policy Team in addressing the growing demands of sustainable finance communications, events, research, fundraising, reporting, and coordination. The intern will play a crucial role in helping financial institutions navigate the evolving landscape of sustainable finance policies and regulations. This position requires a proactive individual who can contribute to various tasks, including policy communications, event planning, research, and operational support. The intern will gain valuable experience in the field of sustainable finance and will be expected to assist in the development of materials that promote UNEP FI's mission and objectives. The internship is expected to last for six months, providing an opportunity for the intern to engage deeply with the work of UNEP FI and contribute to meaningful projects that align with global sustainability goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a wide range of tasks that support the UNEP FI Global Policy Team. These include: A. Communications and Events Support - Assisting in the creation and dissemination of communications materials, such as website content, social media posts, newsletters, and event promotions. - Supporting the planning and execution of webinars, workshops, and meetings, including logistics, agenda preparation, and follow-up activities. - Tracking engagement metrics for communications and events, maintaining databases, and preparing reports on outreach efforts. - Documenting meeting notes and preparing briefing materials for various stakeholders. B. Policy Research and Content Development - Conducting research on sustainable finance policies, regulatory changes, and emerging global trends. - Summarizing policy developments relevant to UNEP FI members and drafting policy briefs, reports, and presentations. C. Fundraising and Operations Support - Mapping potential donors and partners, conducting landscape research, and identifying engagement opportunities. - Maintaining records of donor interactions and monitoring deadlines for deliverables. - Assisting in the preparation of fundraising materials, including proposals and presentations. - Providing administrative support to ensure the smooth functioning of the Policy Team. D. Ad hoc tasks as assigned by supervisors or team leads.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet one of the following criteria: a. Be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); b. Be 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. Additionally, candidates should possess strong research, analytical, and writing skills, with experience in communications, event coordination, data management, or stakeholder engagement being advantageous. A keen interest in sustainable finance and environmental policy is essential, along with strong organizational skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Familiarity with digital project management tools is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have recently completed or be in the process of completing an undergraduate or master’s degree in fields such as public policy, international relations, economics, finance, environmental studies, communications, or business administration. The educational background should be closely related to the internship's focus on sustainable finance and environmental policy, ensuring that the intern can effectively contribute to the team's objectives.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not a requirement for applicants to the UN Internship Programme, candidates should ideally have some exposure to communications, research, fundraising, or project management through internships or extracurricular activities. This experience will help the intern to effectively engage with the tasks and responsibilities outlined in the internship description.

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 considered desirable and may enhance the candidate's application, given the international nature of the work and the diverse stakeholders involved.

Additional Notes:
Interns at UNEP FI are not financially compensated for their work. Therefore, candidates should be prepared to cover their own expenses related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living costs. Additionally, interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the organization before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring that the application and selection process is free from financial barriers.