Exciting Internship Opportunities: Join UNEP’s Global Efforts in Nature Finance
Location: Geneva, Switzerland or Nairobi, Kenya | Duration: 3–6 months | Deadline: 23 April 2025
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the leading global environmental authority, is inviting applications for internship positions under its State of Finance for Nature (SFN) workstream. These exciting opportunities offer early-career professionals or students a unique chance to contribute to UNEP’s flagship work on climate finance and nature-based solutions (NbS).
UNEP’s Climate Change Division, particularly the Climate Finance Unit under the Adaptation and Resilience Branch, leads initiatives that bridge the climate finance gap and direct funds towards nature-positive, sustainable, and resilient environmental solutions.
The internship positions provide valuable exposure to international environmental governance, applied research, programme development, and high-level policy engagement on a global platform. If you’re passionate about nature finance, climate change, sustainability, and data-driven decision-making, this is your opportunity to work with some of the world’s most respected experts and institutions.
Available Internship Roles
1. Intern – State of Finance for Nature (2 Positions)
Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland or Home-based
Working Arrangement: 100% dedicated to the State of Finance for Nature (SFN) Programme
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide research support for the State of Finance for Nature reports, including data collection, literature reviews, and analysis of finance flows to Nature-based Solutions (NbS).
- Contribute to both quantitative and qualitative analysis of public and private sector financing for NbS and environmentally harmful subsidies.
- Assist in drafting research papers, slide decks, policy briefs, and presentation materials.
- Organize and coordinate meetings with partners, prepare minutes, and contribute to the smooth operation of the SFN workstream.
- Support programme development and outreach for national or regional SFN reports through tailored research.
- Participate in the publication process of SFN reports by liaising with UNEP’s publications committee, editors, and designers.
- Assist in creating infographics and simplifying complex data into compelling visuals and messages.
- Draft briefings and assist in other assigned tasks related to the SFN initiative.
Intern Experience & Development
During the internship, selected candidates will:
- Gain hands-on experience in global environmental governance, nature finance, and multilateral collaboration.
- Work under the guidance of senior UNEP staff and climate finance experts.
- Build networks within the UN system, environmental think tanks, and international development organizations.
- Enhance research, analytical writing, and stakeholder engagement skills in an international context.
- Receive mentorship and performance feedback throughout the internship period.
Internship Logistics
- Duty Station: Interns may be based in Geneva, Nairobi, or home-based, depending on location and circumstances.
- Duration: 3–6 months, starting as soon as selected candidates are available.
- Supervision: Interns will report directly to the Head of the Climate Finance Unit, working closely with workstream leads.
Qualifications and Application Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must meet one of the following:
- Be enrolled in a Master’s or PhD programme.
- Be in the final academic year of a Bachelor’s degree programme.
- Have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programme within the last year.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- International Relations
- Geography
- Environmental Science
- Energy Policy
- Climate Change
- Sustainable Development
- International Environmental Governance
Skills Required:
- Good understanding of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Microsoft Teams
- Strong analytical and communication skills
- Ability to translate complex data into concise insights
- Strong attention to detail and interest in climate finance and nature-based solutions
Note: Prior work experience is not required, but academic background in a relevant discipline is necessary. Successful applicants will be required to provide an official certificate of enrollment or graduation.
Why Join UNEP?
UNEP’s internship programme offers a unique chance to:
- Contribute directly to the implementation of global climate goals and nature-positive policies
- Work in a multicultural and interdisciplinary team environment
- Enhance your professional skills in preparation for a career in the UN or other international development organizations
- Be part of impactful, high-level environmental reporting and advocacy that informs global action
