Work Location

Geneva/Remote

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 United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Located within the UN Environment Division of Economy, the Resources & Markets Branch (UNEP-RMB) seeks to conserve the environment, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable development by enhancing the capacity of governments, businesses, and civil society to integrate sustainability considerations into economic, trade, and financial policies and practices in accordance with the partnership and integrated policy-making approaches of sustainable development. As part of UNEP-RMB, the UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) (www.unepfi.org) is a unique global partnership between the UNEP and the private financial sector. UNEP FI works closely with over 200 financial institutions that are signatories to the UNEP FI Statements of Environmental Commitment, and a range of partner organizations to develop and promote linkages between the environment, social and financial performance. Through its industry commissions, thematic advisory groups and regional activities, UNEP FI carries out its mission to identify, promote, and realize the adoption of sustainability practice at all levels of financial institution operations. The financial institutions have a critical role on the long-term promotion of human rights and the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, and needs to align policies and practices with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) established in 2011, by implementing due diligence to identify, avoid, mitigate, and remediate human rights impacts in their activities and portfolio. UNEP FI works with members and partners to embed social and human rights into mainstream finance. We are uniquely positioned to help the finance sector contribute to a just transition, aligned with the 2030 Agenda principle to leave no on behind. Tasks The intern will work with the Social and Human Rights Lead to support the UNEP FI Secretariat on the following tasks: 1. Undertake desktop research on human rights and just transition themes especially around metrics, indicators, and data. 2. Support the development of guidance for banks on human rights, social due diligence, just transition, and other relevant social matters. 3. Support the delivery of industry, thematic and regional activities from a social and human rights perspective. 4. Support regional capacity building on social and human rights. 5. Support UNEP FI communication, to provide content on social and human rights as relevant for finance through newsletter, targeted member communication, industry and regional calls, etc. 6. Provide administrative and communications support on ongoing projects and initiatives for example tracking, organizing and minuting calls. The candidate should have strong quantitative and technical skills relevant to Human Rights and Social impacts. S/he should have completed, or close to completing, a masters or strong undergraduate degree in a relevant domain. Some exposure to banking, finance, and/or insurance industries, and/or experience in social due diligence will be considered as an asset. Excellent research, communication and writing skills in English, as well as a high degree of motivation and self-organization are required.

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. Preferred studies in the areas of human rights, social sciences and/or sustainable development. 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

Your application for this internship must include: 1. A Completed application (Personal History Profile) and Cover Note, through the UN careers Portal. The Cover Note must include: – Title of the degree you are currently pursuing – Graduation Date – IT skills and programs you are proficient in – Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship – Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme – Include all past work experience (if any). 2. Proof of enrollment from current University (if not graduated yet). 3. A copy of your degree certificate (if you have already graduated). Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Due to a high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted. No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme, however, your training, education, advanced coursework 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: http://unon.org/content/internship-programme) 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. 3. 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.