UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Policy Internship

Remote or in Geneva, Switzerland

6 months

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. The overall objective of the UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities. The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is the strategic partnership between the United Nations and over 500 banks, insurers and investors. For over 34 years UNEP FI has been shaping and driving the international sustainable finance agenda, setting global standards and growing a global network of leading financial institutions. Through its work-streams and regional activities, peer learning, methodology development, training and research, UNEP FI promotes sustainable finance and helps the financial industry align with and contribute to the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals. Global policy and regulatory measures on sustainable finance have increased substantially in recent years. Public policy critically affects the ability of finance institutions to generate sustainable positive and reduce negative impacts through financing decisions. It affects the sustainability and stability of financial markets, as well as social, environmental and economic systems. Sustainable finance policies have become central to enabling and accelerating a successful transition. A dedicated full-time intern is required to support the Policy Team’s expanding communications, events, research, fundraising, reporting, and coordination needs, ensuring timely delivery and smooth operations as UNEP FI’s sustainable finance work continues to grow. Tasks: To support UNEP FI’s Global Policy Team in helping financial institutions navigate the rapidly evolving sustainable finance policy and regulatory landscape, the intern will contribute to policy communications, events, research, fundraising, monitoring, and team operations. Daily responsibilities may vary depending on the intern’s background and the priorities of the team. Duties may include, but are not limited to: A. Communications and Events Support - Assist in the development and delivery of communications materials, including website content, social media posts, newsletter entries, event promotions, and stakeholder outreach materials. - Using digital project management tools, support the planning and implementation of webinars, workshops, meetings, and other events, including preparation of agendas, speaker briefings, event logistics, and post-event follow-up. - Track and analyze communications and event engagement metrics, maintain tracking tools and databases, and support reporting on outreach activities. Prepare meeting notes, summaries, and briefing materials for internal and external meetings. B. Policy Research and Content Development - Conduct research and analysis on sustainable finance policies, regulatory developments, taxonomies, climate- and nature-related frameworks, and other emerging global policy trends. - Monitor and summarize policy developments and initiatives across regions relevant to UNEP FI members. - Support the drafting and editing of policy briefs, reports, presentations, briefing notes, and other policy-related content. C. Fundraising and Operations Support - Conduct donor and partner mapping, landscape research, and analysis to identify engagement opportunities with public, private, and philanthropic organizations. - Maintain donor pipelines, engagement records, and reporting trackers, monitoring key deadlines and deliverables, and supporting tracking of outreach activities. - Assist in the preparation of donor briefings, concept notes, proposals, presentations, and other fundraising materials. - Provide operational and administrative support to the Policy Team, including coordination of internal activities, maintaining team resources, and supporting effective day-to-day team functioning. - Carry out ad hoc assignments and other tasks as requested by the supervisor or team leads. D. Desired Qualifications - Recently completed undergraduate or master’s degree studies in public policy, international relations, economics, finance, environmental studies, communications, business administration, or a related field. - Strong research, analytical, and writing skills. - Experience with communications, event coordination, data management, fundraising, or stakeholder engagement is an asset. - Interest in sustainable finance, financial regulation, climate and environmental policy, or international development. - Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. - Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. Digital project management experience through Microsoft tools such as - Planner and Loop is also an asset. - Excellent written and spoken English; knowledge of additional UN languages is an advantage.

Applicants must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements: a. Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (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, if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation. Recent undergraduate or recent master’s degree graduate in public policy, international relations, economics, finance, environmental studies, communications, business administration, or a related field. Ideally, the candidate would have prior communications and research-related experience with some exposure to fundraising, philanthropic activities and/or project management through internships or extracurricular activities. Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required. Please explain how you meet this criterion. Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PH.D. Programme. Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN Language is desirable.

Not available.

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.