Are you passionate about environmental sustainability, international development, and making a tangible impact on the planet? The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is offering a variety of opportunities to talented, driven, and mission-oriented individuals who are ready to contribute to a greener, healthier, and more equitable world. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, and Geneva, Switzerland, these roles provide a unique platform to work within an esteemed international organization committed to advancing environmental sustainability.
With over 1000 employees worldwide, UNEP is at the forefront of global efforts to combat climate change, foster green economies, and promote sound environmental governance. If you are seeking a career that aligns with purpose and global impact, these roles could be the right fit for you.
Below are the available positions, each with distinct responsibilities and exciting potential for growth and contribution.
1. STATE OF FINANCE FOR NATURE – INTERN
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Type: Internship
Job Description:
The intern will support the team responsible for the “State of Finance for Nature” report and related initiatives. This role is instrumental in strengthening UNEP’s thought leadership in nature-based finance by conducting research, supporting the development of policy briefs, and contributing to stakeholder engagement efforts.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing data on public and private investments in nature-based solutions.
- Support the drafting of analytical content for reports, briefings, and presentations.
- Conduct background research on global financing mechanisms that support biodiversity, climate, and land restoration goals.
- Participate in internal and external meetings, taking notes and summarizing discussions.
- Aid in outreach activities, including the development of communication materials.
2. MARKET DEVELOPMENT – INTERN
Location: 1 Position in Geneva, Switzerland | 2 Positions in Nairobi, Kenya
Type: Internship
Job Description:
These internships focus on strengthening market-based approaches for sustainable environmental practices. Interns will work on identifying emerging markets and developing strategies that support UNEP’s objectives in fostering environmental innovation and private-sector partnerships.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct research on environmental markets, including green financing instruments and voluntary carbon markets.
- Support the development of strategic papers, market briefs, and stakeholder engagement documents.
- Help design knowledge products and databases to track market developments.
- Assist in preparing meeting agendas, presentations, and reports for internal and external stakeholders.
- Contribute to collaborative projects aimed at promoting investment in environmental sustainability.
3. TERMINAL REVIEW EXPERT – SRI LANKA PROJECT (GEFID 9409) – LEVEL C
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Type: Consultancy
Job Description:
The Terminal Review Expert will undertake the final evaluation of the Sri Lanka project (GEFID 9409), ensuring a comprehensive assessment of the project’s relevance, performance, and impact. This role is central to UNEP’s accountability and learning processes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct a terminal evaluation of the project in accordance with UNEP and Global Environment Facility (GEF) guidelines.
- Assess project implementation performance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and overall impact.
- Gather and analyze qualitative and quantitative data from project documents, stakeholders, and beneficiaries.
- Draft and present a comprehensive terminal review report with actionable recommendations.
- Facilitate stakeholder consultations and validation workshops to share evaluation findings.
4. PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Type: Staff Position
Job Description:
The incumbent will be responsible for the day-to-day management and coordination of environmental projects under UNEP’s portfolio. The role involves overseeing timelines, budgets, and performance metrics while ensuring compliance with UNEP’s administrative and operational standards.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and manage detailed project plans, budgets, and schedules.
- Coordinate with internal teams, implementing partners, and donors to ensure project alignment and timely delivery.
- Monitor project progress and prepare regular updates and reports for senior management.
- Ensure compliance with environmental and social safeguards.
- Manage risks and resolve project-related issues proactively.
5. COORDINATION OFFICER
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Type: Mid-Senior Level
Job Description:
As a Coordination Officer, you will serve as the primary focal point for multi-stakeholder collaboration across different departments and external partners. This role is critical to streamlining communication, fostering coherence, and enhancing the effectiveness of UNEP’s environmental initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Facilitate coordination and communication across diverse teams and departments.
- Oversee scheduling, documentation, and follow-ups for high-level meetings and inter-agency dialogues.
- Support the preparation of strategic documents, concept notes, and briefing papers.
- Liaise with stakeholders to ensure alignment with programmatic objectives and timelines.
- Track progress against goals and report to senior leadership on achievements and challenges.
6. ENVIRONMENT & SOCIAL RISKS AND IMPACT (E&S) PROGRAM – INTERN
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Type: Internship
Job Description:
The E&S Intern will provide support to UNEP’s Environmental and Social Safeguards team, contributing to the integration of environmental and social standards across programs and projects.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in the review and screening of new projects for compliance with environmental and social standards.
- Support the development of risk mitigation strategies and safeguard plans.
- Compile case studies, lessons learned, and knowledge materials on environmental and social risk management.
- Contribute to training sessions and awareness activities on UNEP’s safeguards policies.
- Assist in data entry and management of project risk databases.
Why Join UNEP?
By working at UNEP, you become part of a global mission dedicated to building a sustainable future. Whether you’re conducting evaluations, coordinating multi-stakeholder dialogues, or designing market strategies, your work will have real-world impact on the environment and the lives of future generations.
These opportunities are designed for professionals and students who want to make a meaningful contribution while growing their international career experience in a globally respected institution.
How to Apply
For full job descriptions and application instructions, refer to the attached PDF for more detailed information. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online through the UNEP Careers Portal. Ensure your application is submitted through the official channel specified in the vacancy notices.
