Internship for Climate Adaptation and Resilience

Job Description

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.

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 and 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 delivering resources to advance sustainable finance and regional activities, peer learning, training and research, UNEP FI carries out its mission to help the financial industry align with and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals and with that take on the crucial role it must play in achieving a sustainable future.

UNEP FI’s Climate team is looking for an intern to work with their Climate Adaptation and Resilience (A&R) programme. The programme works directly with financial institutions to advance their understanding of key topics at the intersection of climate and finance, with a focus on the impacts of climate change and how the finance sector can contribute to a more climate resilient world.

Tasks:

The intern will assist the UNEP FI Climate Change team with implementing work related to A&R, and support the coordination and management of its flagship programmes. These programmes include:

• Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) Climate Journey; and Bank and Insurer Collaborations for Adaptation Solutions;
• Adaptation and Resilience Investor Collaborative (ARIC) and the Investors Resilience Challenge (IRC); and
• UNEP FI Community of Practice on Adaptation (CoP) under the Global Environment Facility-funded Climate Adaptation Innovation and Learning (CAIL) project.

Daily responsibilities may vary depending on the individual’s background and the internship period. Duties may include, but are not limited to:

1. Research and Technical Support
   • Conduct desk research and data gathering on topics related to A&R finance to support the technical work
   • Support the drafting and editing of publications
2. Coordination and Event Support
   • Support organizing webinars, and online and in-person events, including speaker and participant outreach, logistical planning, agenda setting, and tracking attendance
   • Contribute to preparation of materials and presentations for events
   • Support the day-to-day coordination of the team, including organizing meetings, and drafting minutes
3. Communications and Outreach
   • Draft blogs and other communication materials on A&R finance
   • Lead the drafting and delivery of ARIC and CoP monthly update emails
4. Strategic and Special Projects
   • Support resource mobilization efforts through inputs to funding proposals and concept notes
   • Develop and lead a special interest project aligned with the intern’s skills and interests, such as a webinar exploring interlinkages between climate adaptation finance and other impact areas (mitigation, just transition, etc.)

Qualifications/special skills

Applicants must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent);
• Have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation.

Academic background in economics, social sciences, natural sciences, environmental science, public policy, sustainable development, business administration, finance, or another related field.

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

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 the 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.

Assessment

Potential candidates will be contacted by the 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)
3. 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.
4. 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.

Deadline : Dec 22, 2025