UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Climate Adaptation and Resilience Internship

Work Location

Remote or in Geneva, Switzerland

Expected duration

6 Months

Duties and Responsibilities

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 32 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 delivering resources to advance sustainable finance and regional activities, peer learning, training and research, UNEP FI carries out its mission to help the financial industry align with and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals and with that take on the crucial role it must play in achieving a sustainable future. UNEP FI’s Climate team is looking for an intern to work with their Climate Adaptation and Resilience (A&R) programme. The programme works directly with financial institutions to advance their understanding of key topics at the intersection of climate and finance, with a focus on the impacts of climate change and how the finance sector can contribute to a more climate resilient world. Tasks: The intern will assist the UNEP FI Climate Change team with implementing work related to A&R, and support the coordination and management of its flagship programmes. These programmes include: The Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) Climate Journey, and associated regional workshops for Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia-Pacific, and Africa and Middle East; Proposed Banking and Insurance Workshop series for Adaptation Solutions; The Investors Resilience Challenge (IRC); UNEP FI Community of Practice on Adaptation (CoP) under the Global Environment Facility-funded Climate Adaptation Innovation and Learning (CAIL) project; and The Resilience Finance Mobilization (RFM) pilot project in Kenya. Daily responsibilities may vary depending on the individual’s background and the internship period. Duties may include, but are not limited to: 1. Research and Technical Support: - Conduct research and analysis on topics related to climate adaptation and resilience finance, including physical climate risk, adaptation finance, resilience measurement, sustainable finance, and emerging market developments. Support the drafting and editing of publications. - Synthesize literature, case studies, and financial sector practices to support programme development. - Assist with data collection, benchmarking exercises, and preparation of briefing materials. 2. Coordination and Event Support: - Support the day-to-day coordination and implementation of UNEP FI adaptation programmes and working groups. - Coordinate engagement with member banks, insurers, investors, development finance institutions, UN agencies, consultants, and external experts. - Organize webinars, workshops, consultation calls, and in-person events, including speaker coordination, participant outreach, and logistics. - Prepare meeting materials, presentations, background notes, and minutes. 3. Communications and Outreach: - Lead the drafting and delivery of Adaptation Community of Practice monthly newsletters. - Support stakeholder mapping, interview coordination, surveys, and consultations for flagship knowledge products. - Maintain stakeholder databases and support outreach activities across regions. 4. Products and Project Delivery: - Support the development of documents, case studies, and training materials related to adaptation and resilience finance. - Contribute to the design and delivery of capacity-building activities, including training sessions and learning materials for financial institutions. - Assist in incorporating stakeholder feedback into technical outputs throughout the consultation process. - Support resource mobilization efforts through research and contributions to concept notes, funding proposals, and partnership materials. - Undertake special projects aligned with programme priorities and the intern's skills and interests.

Qualifications/special skills

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. 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. Academic background in economics, social sciences, natural sciences, environmental science, public policy, sustainable development, international relations, business administration, finance, or another related field.

Languages

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.

Additional Information

Not available.

Intern Specific text

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.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.