UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Internship for APAC Regional Team

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. 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.

Tasks: It is envisaged that the Intern will be supporting the APAC Regional Team. The Intern primarily supports the APAC Regional Team in administrative-related matters, conduct extensive research and support regional capacity-building activities. Daily responsibilities may vary depending on the individual’s background as well as the internship period. Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Administrative Support: support administrative tasks, including scheduling meetings, taking minutes, and organizing documents to ensure smooth operational flow.
• Desk Research: Conduct research on financial markets and data analysis to inform strategic decision-making processes.
• Capacity Building Assistance: Assist in the implementation of capacity building initiatives, supporting training programmes, coordination during events/training and resource allocation to enhance team performance.
• Other Work Support: Support APAC Regional Team members across different functions and tasks.

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.

Bachelor's or graduate student with an academic background in environment, sustainability, nature, or biodiversity, combined with a strong research background and an interest in or understanding of sustainable finance. Selected candidates will be required to provide proof of enrolment or expected graduation date.

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.

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 Chinese is desirable.