Intern - Nature Finance

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Position Title: Intern - Nature Finance
Location: Geneva, Remote
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

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. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and is located within the UN Environment Division of Economy. The organization aims to conserve the environment, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable development by enhancing the capacity of governments, businesses, and civil society to integrate environmental considerations into economic, trade, and financial policies and practices. UNEP operates globally, collaborating with various stakeholders to address pressing environmental issues.

Job Overview:
The intern will join the UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), a unique global partnership between UNEP and the private financial sector, which works closely with over 500 financial institutions to promote sustainability practices in finance. The intern will support the UNEP FI Secretariat in mainstreaming Nature Finance across financial actors, contributing to initiatives such as the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosure (TNFD) and the Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Initiative (SBEFI). The role involves conducting research, providing project coordination, and supporting various initiatives aimed at integrating environmental sustainability into financial decision-making. The intern will report to the team lead and will be involved in exciting projects that align financial flows with global biodiversity goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include supporting internal work on aligning financial flows with the Global Biodiversity Framework, conducting desktop research on nature and finance-related themes, collating information from various sources, drafting presentations and briefing notes, providing project coordination and administrative support, and taking initiative on applied research topics. The intern will also assist with ongoing projects and activities as needed, ensuring effective communication and collaboration within the team.

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. A strong background in a relevant domain, such as finance or environmental studies, is preferred, along with exposure to banking, finance, or insurance industries. Excellent research, communication, and writing skills in English are required, along with strong quantitative and technical skills relevant to ecosystems and finance.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have completed or be close to completing a master’s degree or a strong undergraduate degree in a relevant field. This educational background should ideally include studies related to finance, environmental science, or sustainability, providing the necessary knowledge and skills for the internship role.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the internship's focus on nature finance and sustainability. Exposure to the financial sector, such as internships or projects related to banking or finance, would be advantageous but is not mandatory.

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 another UN language, such as French, is desirable and would enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This internship is expected to last for a duration of six months and is available in Geneva or remotely. Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Candidates who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.