Finance Unit Mitigation Branch, Climate Change Division - Internship

Job Description

Work Location

• Paris

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 UN system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.

The Climate Change Division delivers strategic guidance and high-impact action in support of the transition towards climate stability. Its work emphasizes ambition, innovation, credible science, and alignment with global climate goals and national needs. The Division works with Member States and partners to support a just transition by enhancing mitigation and adaptation capacity, providing data and knowledge, improving access to finance and technology, and strengthening resilience.

This internship is located in the Finance Unit, Mitigation Branch, Climate Change Division, at the Paris duty station. The Finance Unit’s mandate is to mobilize and accelerate investments that increase climate mitigation and resilience through a just energy transition, helping countries shift toward low-carbon development pathways.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Finance Unit, the intern will perform the following tasks:

• Support implementation of ongoing Unit programmes, including the Mediterranean Investment Sustainable Energy Facility (MISEF), Seed Capital Assistance Facility (SCAF), and EmPower II.
• Assist in developing presentations for meetings with prospective partners and preparing project proposals for activities undertaken by the Finance Unit.
• Contribute to the preparation of analyses, briefings, minutes, and presentations for global, regional, and national workshops and seminars.
• Conduct research and analysis to support publications with project partners (governments, academic institutions, and environmental organizations), helping to identify best practices and policy recommendations.
• Support the creation of communication and outreach materials, including content for print and online media.
• Assist in organizing events by coordinating invitations, developing agendas, and preparing printed materials as needed.

Qualifications and Special Skills
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

• Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or
• Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent).

Preferred Areas of Study:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Finance, International Relations, Environmental Policy, Economics, Development, or a related field.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Fully proficient in computer use, including web-based platforms and software such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, internal databases, and Internet tools.
• Demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter.
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, showing openness and tolerance toward differing opinions and perspectives.
• No prior professional work experience is required; however, the field of study must be closely related to the internship.
• Applicants must be in their final year of a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programme or have recently graduated from one of these programmes.

Languages

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of French or another official United Nations language is desirable.
• • Note: “Fluency” means a rating of fluent in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand), and “knowledge of” means confident in at least two areas.

Additional Information

• Not available.

Intern Specific Information

• Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations.
• Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution.
• Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the host country must obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization.
• Successful candidates should discuss visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer.

Deadline : Nov 6, 2025