UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Academic Engagement Taskforce Internship

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 32 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.

UNEP FI established a 12-month Academic Engagement Taskforce (February 2026 – January 2027) to bridge the gap between market actors and researchers in sustainable finance. The intern would join this motivated team to support the follow-up phase and help shape the future of UNEP FI’s academic engagement. They would report to the Nature and Academic Engagement Lead who leads the Taskforce secretariat.

Tasks:

• Support follow-up on Taskforce outcomes and next steps. Help synthesise and track the outcomes and recommendations emerging from the Global Roundtable 2026 and the Taskforce, and support the development of a prioritised action plan for the follow-up phase.
• Expand academic engagement with banking and insurance teams. Support efforts to broaden academic engagement with banking and insurance, including collaborating with other networks, initiatives, and institutions, and developing a legal review note on data access and use in banking and insurance research.
• Develop regional engagement formats. Support the design and delivery of regional sessions at UNEP FI regional roundtables, and help identify opportunities to embed academic engagement into these events.
• Publish priority research questions and research briefs. Support the publication of an annual list of priority research questions and/or the production of regular research briefs drawing on the latest research relevant to banking, insurance, and investment.
• Design a researcher engagement window. Contribute to the design of a dedicated researcher engagement or membership window for universities, data providers, and potentially think tanks, including scoping the model, benefits, and governance.
• Support a webinar series and member outreach programme. Help launch and coordinate a webinar series and member outreach programme on the latest research findings relevant to banking, insurance, and investment, including liaising with speakers and members.
• Scope seed grants and collaborative research awards. Support the identification of seed grants or awards for collaborative research, potentially supported by UNEP FI members and/or philanthropic foundations, including mapping potential funders and delivery models.
• Maintain the stakeholder map and provide secretariat support. Maintain and expand the database of academic researchers and institutions relevant to UNEP FI’s work, and provide secretariat support to the follow-up workstream, including coordinating virtual meetings, preparing briefing materials, and synthesising findings into presentations, briefings, and written outputs.

Candidate Profile

The candidate should have strong analytical and research skills, ideally with a focus on sustainable finance, environmental economics, political economy, or a related field. They should be completing or have completed a Master’s degree or strong undergraduate degree, with demonstrated ability to work with academic literature and engage with complex concepts. Exposure to sustainable finance and/or financial institutions is a strong asset. Excellent writing, critical thinking, and communication skills in English are required. Familiarity and experience with academic databases, citation tools, or data visualization tools would be an advantage.

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 student in Finance, Business Administration, Environmental Studies, other related themes, or recently graduated (candidates are eligible for this position up to one year after the graduation date). The intern must be able to show proof of enrolment or of graduation date if selected for this position.

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.