Work Location

Remote/ Geneva

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, 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 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. Tasks : In line with UNEP FI work programme for 2023 and under the direct supervision the Signatory Relations, working closely with the Africa and Middle East (AME) Regional Coordinator, the intern will support the implementation and consolidation of UNEP Fl outreach & co-ordination plans across the four regions. The intern is expected to:

Assist in writing country and members' profiles, monitoring reporting as well as on establishing the key areas of expertise of supporting institutions - these profiles will be in English/Arabic/French.
Support membership surveys across the AME region - these will be in English/Arabic/French.
Assist with identifying financial institutions for outreach in line with banking, insurance, and investment membership strategies.
Assist with preparation of sustainable finance events in the region (training and awareness-raising activities); Assist the Regional Coordinator in drafting concept notes in English/Arabic/French and preparation of national workshops (sending invitations, logistical matter, etc.) in addition to follow up activities.
Assist with development of public communication through, for example, UNEP FI newsletter, website, case studies, and quarterly members calls, etc.
Update the contact database for UNEP Fl Signatories including the areas of active engagement with UNEP Fl, if and as relevant.
Support the Regional Coordinator and Signatory Relations Manager on any other matters as necessary.
Assist in writing, editing, proofreading, and preparing communications for members in English/Arabic/French.
Assist in community platform creation and management.

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 development studies, economics, business administration, finance, environmental studies some experience in communications. 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. 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 spoken and written English and French is required. Knowledge of Arabic 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 Africa and Middle East Regional Support