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. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action.

UNEP initiated a new Land Use Finance Project (‘the project’) to proactively help unlock and (re)direct public and especially private capital towards sustainable land use, including deforestation-free soft commodity production. The project is effectively an umbrella for a number of initiatives and finance facilities that UNEP either leads or is involved in, including the Tropical Landscapes Finance Facility (a partnership with BNP Paribas and ADM Capital), the GEF Good Growth Partnership, the & Green Fund (a new de-risking vehicle set up by the Norwegian Government and IDH) and a partnership with Rabobank, FMO, Mirova/Althelia and IDH to unlock capital for deforestation-free agricultural production. UNEP is interested in expanding its work in unlocking private finance for sustainable land use.

This Internship position is located in the Climate Finance Unit of the Nature for Climate Branch (NCB/CFU) in the Ecosystems Division of the UNEP Office in Geneva, Switzerland, with the intended purpose of increasing the exposure of work that the unit does and the deliverables and impact that it generates. The internship is for a minimum of three (3) months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of six (6) months, depending on the needs of the Unit.

Interns work five days per week (35-40 hours), under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned. The Internship is UNPAID and full-time.

Responsibilities

The specific details of the internship will vary according to the individual’s background, the Intern’s assigned office as well as the period of Internship. Under the supervision of the Head of Climate Finance Unit and the Lead on Communications and Knowledge Management, it is expected that his/her responsibilities will fall within one or several of the following broad activities:
• Assist in the Land Use Finance Programme’s overall communications and knowledge management plan, focusing specifically on digital communication (social media, eNewsletters, webinar and websites) and knowledge management;
• Create, design and produce multimedia content – videos, infographics, visuals and other supplementary communication assets – case studies, presentations and flyers;
• Support drafting and copy proofing of background documents, briefs, speeches, and other communication materials;
• Support the identification and development of solutions on knowledge management and knowledge sharing;
• Contribute to amplify dynamic knowledge sharing on innovative sustainable land use finance practices and tools;
• Assist in event planning and coordination;
• Help with the maintenance and value additions to our internal and external websites;
• Undertake other duties relevant to the role, including participate in events, draft minutes, report on achievements, and other tasks as they arise.

Competencies

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Client orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

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.
• Be computer literate in standard software applications;
• Have good analytical skills;
• Possess good report writing skills;
• Demonstrate pleasant interpersonal skills;
• Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views;
• Have a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and has a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter;
• Applicants must be pursuing qualifications in an area of study that can significantly contribute to the responsibilities outlined and overall work of the Climate Finance Unit.

Upon completion of the assignment it is anticipated that the Intern will:
• Have demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and has a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter;
• Have improved communication skills through interaction with UNEP staff, Executive and Senior Management, governments and partner organizations;
• Have gained a better understanding of UNEP’s operations and the overall United Nations system.

Work Experience

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.
Do you have demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views?
If your main language is not English, are you fluent in English?

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the Internship advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of Spanish is desirable.

Assessment

Potential candidates will be contacted by a hiring manager directly for further consideration.

Special Notice

Your application for this internship must include:

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 feel 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).

Due to a high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted.

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, applicants may be requested to undertake the internship remotely in view of constraints regarding visa issuance, international travel and access to UN premises. Applicants must be willing and prepared to undertake the internship remotely for a part or the entirety of the internship.

For further information and to see the full job posting>>