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 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 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 Located within the UN Environment Division of Economy, the Finance & Economics Branch (UNEP-FEB) 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. The UN Environment Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) (www.unepfi.org) is a unique global partnership between UN Environment and about 530 banks, insurers and investors from around the world. Together we work towards integrating environmental concerns into lending and investment as well as strategic decisions. The aim is to increase financing for sustainable businesses and projects and thereby contribute to international Climate Targets as well as the Sustainable Development Goals.On 22nd September 2019, UNEP FI member banks representing USD 47 trillion and with that over a third of the global banking industry officially signed and launched the Principles for Responsible Banking. The Principles for Responsible Banking guide the change towards a new, sustainable global banking industry that takes on a key role in helping society to achieve its goals for a sustainable future. With these Principles, banks commit to strategically align their business with and scale up their contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals and the objectives of the Paris Agreement on Climate. Today, over 340 banks representing USD 98 trillion in assets have committed to implementing the Principles for Responsible Banking.UNEP FI’s banking team is responsible for the initiative’s work with its over 340 member banks in more than 80 countries around the world. This includes overseeing and supporting the implementation of the Principles for Responsible Banking. Tasks: The Implementation Support Team provides technical assistance to member banks in implementing the Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB). It works closely with UNEP FI’s thematic (e.g. Nature, Climate, Social Issues) and cross-cutting teams (Impact and Policy) to develop guidance and support banks throughout their PRB journey. The intern will contribute to project management and research activities, including:

Supporting PRB implementation projects and working groups
Contributing to thematic guidance development
Conducting research on sustainable banking topics (e.g. Nature & Biodiversity, Climate & Net-Zero, Financial Inclusion) Cross-cutting Responsibilities: Depending on skills and experience, the intern may also be involved in broader activities across the Banking Team. These can include supporting PRB-related project management, participating in meetings with banks and external stakeholders, and conducting research on sustainable finance topics. There may also be opportunities to explore areas of personal interest and gradually take ownership of smaller initiatives. Development Opportunity: Over the course of the internship, the intern will progressively take on more responsibility, with increasing opportunities to manage tasks and small projects independently.

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. Master's degree in finance, economics, sustainability, environmental sciences, policy 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. 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.

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.

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.

UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Internship for Banking Programme