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. Background 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 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 UNEP FI’s Risk Centre is looking for an intern to work with their climate and nature risk specialists to deliver a programme of events and publications aimed at risk professionals. The Centre works directly with financial institutions to advance their understanding of key topics at the intersection of climate, nature, and finance. These include climate and nature data, climate scenario analysis, legal risks and greenwashing, and disclosure best practices among many others. The Risk Centre leverages the convening power of the UN to accelerate the development of best practices for measuring and managing climate and nature risks and opportunities. It also works directly with leading partners from academia, environmental science, and advisory firms to create guidance and tools to support the creation of a sustainable financial sector. Additional detail on the UNEP FI Risk Centre The Risk Centre builds on work done by UNEP FI and partners in 2017-2018 that developed physical and transition risk methodologies for bank portfolios and extended in 2019-2020 through Phase II of the Banking Pilot, in 2021-2022 through Phase III of the Banking Pilot and in 2023, through its Climate Risk and TCFD (Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures) Programme. The Centre is continuing to develop thought leadership on climate and nature risk through partnerships with modelers, supervisors, academics, consultancies, and other stakeholders. The Centre will also work at a regional level to build capacity around environmental risk management and risk disclosures in line with the TCFD/ISSB and other regulatory expectations. UNEP FI aspires to build both knowledge and action within the financial sector to mobilise the sector to address climate and other sustainability risks and support the low-carbon transition. The Risk Centre will develop tools, papers, workshops, and other outputs to empower the financial sector to move faster on critical sustainability issues. The intern will assist with implementing work related to the UNEP FI Risk Centre’s 2025/2026 programme. Daily responsibilities may vary depending on the individual’s background as well as the internship period. Duties may include, but are not limited to: - Researching the latest developments regarding risk assessment and management practices, climate impacts, and climate and sustainability-related regulations policies / guidance on disclosures and transition planning relevant for the financial sector - Evaluating financial sector practices related to climate risks and opportunities (both physical and transition risks), as well as nature and other sustainability risks and opportunities, including social and just transition - Assisting with the drafting, editing, updates of research project outputs, including publications (research reports, studies, etc.) and tools (spreadsheets / dashboards / analytics). - Supporting the day-to-day coordination of research project management and Risk Centre communications (organising meetings, note-taking, etc.) - Assisting with preparations for events (logistical planning, agenda setting, etc.) - Supporting Risk Centre operations as required (email management, website updates, member lists, etc.) - Building a network and rapport with members, partners, and other UN teams - Working on other relevant tasks to support programme success
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. Academic background in economics, social sciences, natural sciences, environmental science, public policy, sustainable development, business administration, finance, or another related field. 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. 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.
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
1. A Completed application (Personal History Profile) and Cover Note, through the UN careers Portal. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The Cover Note must include: - Title of the degree you are currently pursuing - Graduation Date - IT skills and programmes you are proficient in - Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme, ensure to include all past work experience (if any). 2. Proof of enrollment from current University (if not graduated). 3. A copy of the degree certificate (if you have already graduated). No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship. Assessment Potential candidates will be contacted by the hiring manager directly for further consideration. Special Notice Your application for this internship must include: 1. A Completed application (Candidate Profile) through the UN careers Portal. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. In your Personal History Profile (CP), be sure to include all past work experiences, IT Skills, and three references. 2.Proof of enrollment (click on link to access and attach to your application: http://unon.org/content/internship-programme) List the IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in using, and Explain why you are the best candidate for the internship and what you hope to gain from the internship. 3. A certified copy of degree certificate (if you have already graduated). Due to a high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted.
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.
