Work Location

International Environment House, 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. 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. 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. Responsibilities: – The Implementation Support Team plays a vital role in providing technical assistance to member banks in implementing the Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) and offering customized support throughout their PRB journey. Working closely with UNEP FI’s Thematic (Nature, Social Issues…) and cross-cutting (Impact and Policy) teams, the Implementation Support Team develops foundational and thematic guidance in collaboration with member banks. The intern will assist in project management for ongoing PRB implementation-related projects and working groups, the development of thematic guidance through working groups and collective engagement formats and research on sustainable banking topics relevant to ongoing projects. This would involve supporting various topics such as Nature & Biodiversity, Climate & Net-Zero transition, Climate Adaptation, and Financial Inclusion. – Governance and Membership Team is responsible for managing the relationship and communications with our members and external stakeholders. The team supports the banking governance bodies, the Banking Board and CSAB. The team is responsible for informing and delivering support services to the banking membership incl: communications with new and existing members, information formats (webinars, Q&As documents, events, etc.), infrastructure (members database) and implementation workshops. The work is carried out in close collaboration / jointly with UNEP FI’s Regional Coordinators and Communications Team. The intern will support the organization and preparation of support activities both logistically and in terms of content, support with communication and engagement with our banking members as well as various external stakeholders. – The Review Team is responsible for tasks and processes related to accountability. This includes the individual and feedback review processes with the 340+ PRB banks, which aims to provide individual support to PRB banks. In addition, the team compiles and shares data gathered from reviews to inform guidance, support work, and membership management. The Review Team closely collaborates with regional coordinators and leverages subject-matter expertise within the Banking Team and UNEP FI to provide targeted support to banks. The intern will support the individual review processes and data management projects. Depending on skills, background and preferences, cross-cutting missions can include: – Support the project management of the UNEP FI’s Principles for Responsible Banking – Participate in meetings and calls with member banks as well as experts and external stakeholders – Work on topics of own interest – Carry out research on Sustainable Finance – If level of experience allows, set up and manage your own initiatives with the banking members as the internship progresses. Over the course of the internship, the intern will gradually be given increasing opportunity 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. Relevant experience and studies in finance, economics, sustainable development, communications, environmental sciences 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

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 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. Potential candidates will be contacted by 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.