Intern - Pollution and Circular Economy Support

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 with a diverse range of stakeholders to address pressing environmental issues. With a workforce of over 1,000 employees, UNEP operates in more than 150 countries, collaborating with governments, civil society, and the private sector to foster sustainable development and environmental protection. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it plays a critical role in shaping international environmental policies and agreements.

Job Overview:
The intern will join the Pollution and Circular Economy workstream within UNEP FI, which focuses on addressing pollution and promoting a circular economy as part of the broader sustainability agenda. This position offers an opportunity to engage in cutting-edge initiatives that aim to transition the financial sector towards less polluting and more circular economic practices. The intern will be involved in various tasks, including applied research, development of guidance materials, and support for working groups focused on pollution and circular economy. The role requires a proactive approach to contribute to the ongoing development of UNEP FI's programs and initiatives, and the intern will collaborate with other thematic streams and external stakeholders to drive impactful change in the financial sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's duties will include supporting internal work on pollution, particularly plastic and chemical pollution, and the circular economy. Responsibilities will involve conducting applied research on relevant topics, assisting in the development of guidance materials and case studies, and supporting capacity-building programs related to pollution and circular economy. The intern will also contribute to the Circular Economy Working Group, which focuses on creating guidance documents for banks, and assist in establishing a Circular Economy Community of Practice for knowledge sharing within the finance sector. Additional tasks include supporting the Pollution Working Group, conducting research on pollution and finance-related themes, collating information from various sources, and providing project coordination and administrative support for ongoing initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: 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. Relevant fields of study include finance, economics, sustainable development, environmental studies, international relations, or other related themes. While professional work experience is not required, a strong academic background in a relevant field is essential. Applicants should clearly explain how they meet these criteria in their application.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in or have completed a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. program in a relevant field. This includes students in their final year of study or recent graduates. Proof of enrollment or graduation will be required at a later stage of the application process. The educational background should be closely related to the internship's focus on pollution, circular economy, and sustainable finance.

Experience:
While prior professional work experience is not mandatory for this internship, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. This may include internships, volunteer work, or projects related to environmental issues, sustainable development, or finance. The emphasis is on the applicant's ability to apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges in the context of pollution and circular economy.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is desirable, and proficiency in Spanish is considered an asset. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages will enhance the intern's capacity to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to UNEP FI's initiatives.

Additional Notes:
This internship is not financially remunerated, 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 during the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.