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. Tasks: The intern will be supporting the Regional Coordination Team in Latin America and the Caribbean within the UNEP FI Secretariat Team. Daily responsibilities may vary depending on the individual’s background as well as the internship period. Duties may include, but are not limited to:

Support the Regional Coordination Team in engaging with members and stakeholders across the LAC region. Tasks include promoting knowledge exchange, sharing best practices, and aiding institutions in fulfilling sustainability commitments (e.g. PRB, PSI, NZ Alliances). This will require collaboration with global teams, regional consultants, and partners.
Help organize and coordinate meetings, prepare minutes, manage follow-ups, and develop presentation materials. Provide translations where needed (Spanish and/or Portuguese).
Assist in designing, promoting, and executing communications around events, webinars, and trainings for the region.
Contribute to implementation of regional projects, helping with rollout planning, coordination, and execution of deliverables.

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. Final year undergraduate or master’s degree student in economics, political sciences, sustainability and/or environmental studies, development studies, business administration, finance, some experience in communications will be an asset. The intern must be able to show proof of enrolment or of graduation date if selected for this position. 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. Spanish is required and knowledge of Portuguese is desirable for this internship.

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) Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Regional Coordination Internship