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 is dedicated to encouraging sustainable development through sound environmental practices. It serves as a catalyst, advocate, educator, and facilitator to promote sustainable development through the effective use of the global environment. UNEP operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. Its mission is to inspire, inform, and enable nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. UNEP's Industry and Economy Division (IED) plays a crucial role in the Green Economy Initiative, which aims to shift national economies towards a sustainable trajectory, ensuring that growth is driven by increased investment in green sectors and a shift in consumer preferences towards sustainable goods and services.

Job Overview:
The Sustainable Fiscal Policy and Public Finance Intern will be positioned within UNEP's Finance and Economics Branch, which focuses on the intersection of economics, trade, and finance with environmental sustainability. The intern will support various programmatic tasks related to project design, implementation, monitoring, and reporting, particularly on issues such as net-zero and nature-positive integration, as well as sustainable fiscal policy and public finance. The role involves engaging in policy research and advocacy work, particularly concerning harmful subsidies related to agriculture and fossil fuels, and sustainable budgeting. The intern will also assist in communications efforts for UNEP's Economic and Fiscal Policy Unit (EFPU) and the Green Fiscal Policy Network, contributing to the overall mission of promoting an inclusive green economy and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for supporting programmatic tasks related to project design, implementation, monitoring, and reporting for various projects. This includes assisting with research and advocacy work on sustainable fiscal policy and public policy, focusing on harmful subsidies and sustainable budgeting. The intern will also support communications efforts for UNEP EFPU and the Green Fiscal Policy Network, and assist with the programmatic, policy, and communications needs of the unit. Additional responsibilities may include supporting the team with other activities as requested, contributing to the overall objectives of the Finance and Economics Branch.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements 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, candidates with previous experience related to the green economy will be at an advantage. A field of study closely related to the internship is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a background in fields related to economics, environment, public policy, development, or international relations. Enrollment in a graduate program or being in the final year of a Bachelor's degree program is necessary. Graduates who have completed their degree within the last year are also eligible to apply, provided they can start the internship within the specified timeframe.

Experience:
While applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience, having relevant experience in areas related to the green economy will be beneficial. The internship is designed for individuals who are either currently studying or have recently graduated, allowing them to gain practical experience in a professional setting.

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 another UN language, particularly Spanish, is desirable and would be considered an asset for the position.

Additional Notes:
Internships with the United Nations Secretariat are unpaid, 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. Additionally, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.