Work Location
Geneva/Remote
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. Located within the UN Environment Division of Economy, the Resources & Markets Branch (UNEP-RMB) seeks 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 in accordance with the partnership and integrated policy-making approaches of sustainable development. As part of UNEP-RMB, United Nations Environment Programme – Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is a partnership between United Nations Environment and the global financial sector created in the wake of the 1992 Earth Summit with a mission to promote sustainable finance. More than 450 financial institutions, including banks, insurers, and investors, work with UN Environment to understand today’s environmental, social and governance challenges, why they matter to finance, and how to actively participate in addressing them. UNEP FI’s work also includes a strong focus on policy – by promoting country-level dialogues between finance practitioners, supervisors, regulators and policy-makers, and, at the international level, by promoting financial sector involvement in processes such as the global climate negotiations. SDGs & Impact is a cross-cutting work stream, informing and supporting the sectoral and thematic lines of work at UNEP FI. Its focus is on the funding gap for sustainable development and the achievement of the SDGs. To achieve this a new, impact-based approach to business models, based on a holistic consideration of the three pillars of sustainable development is required. The SDGs & Impact work stream is responsible for UNEP FI’s unique methodology and works with the industry/sector teams, as well as a range of external partners, to normalize and roll-out impact analysis and management in mainstream finance. More information available here: http://www.unepfi.org/positive-impact/. The intern will assist with implementing UNEP FI’s work programme related to its SDGs & Impact workstream, as well as activities associated with the Impact Management Platform (the Platform) for which UNEP FI serves as the hosting Chair. Daily responsibilities may vary depending on the individual’s background as well as the internship period. Duties include, but are not limited to: • Support the on-going development of the UNEP FI impact management tools, mappings and guidance materials, with a specific focus on the Portfolio Impact Analysis Tool for Banks, the Investment Portfolio Impact Analysis Tool and associated mappings • Support the on-going development of interoperability resources to identify synergies and differences between UNEP FI impact methodology and other regulatory or voluntary standards and frameworks, with a specific focus on the UNEP FI-ESRS Interoperability package • Support with the coordination, facilitation and research activities relative to the Impact Management Platform as needed • Assist with day-to-day coordination of communications with UNEP FI teams, the UNEP FI Impact Management ‘community of practice’ and the Partners of the Impact Management Platform (general liaison, setting up meetings) • Support the production and dissemination of communication materials (mailings, webinars, ppts, flyers, etc.) • Help maintain the SDGs & Impact and the Platform databases and directories • Help maintain the SDGs & Impact and the Platform web pages and social media presence • Assist with the preparations for meetings and events • Assist with other tasks as relevant.
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. Relevant experience and studies in finance, economics, sustainable development and/or international relations/affairs. 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 French, Spanish or Arabic 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). Due to a high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted. 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.