The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is recruiting an intern for Africa and Middle East Regional Support, with the duty station in Geneva, Switzerland and the work location listed as Remote/ Geneva. The internship lasts 6 months and supports UNEP FI outreach, membership and sustainable finance events across the Africa and Middle East (AME) region. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full job opening: applications close on 20 October 2026.
What Is the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)?
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority. It 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 Industry and Economy Division
The overall objective of UNEP's Industry and Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies, practices and technologies that:
♻️ Promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production
🌳 Make efficient use of natural resources
🧪 Ensure safe management of chemicals
⚖️ Contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive
The division 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.
What Is UNEP FI?
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 34 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 and regional activities, peer learning, methodology development, training and research, UNEP FI promotes sustainable finance and helps the financial industry align with and contribute to the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Internship at a Glance
🆔 Job Opening ID: 285846
🗂️ Job Family: Environmental Affairs
🏷️ Category and Level: Affiliate Personnel, Internships, I-1
👤 Recruitment Type: Intern
📍 Duty Station: Geneva
🏢 Department/Office: United Nations Environment Programme
💻 Work Location: Remote/ Geneva
🕒 Expected Duration: 6 months
Where Does the Intern Fit in UNEP FI?
The intern works in line with the UNEP FI work programme and under the direct supervision of Signatory Relations, working closely with the Africa and Middle East (AME) Regional Coordinator. The overall purpose of the role is to support the implementation and consolidation of UNEP FI outreach and co-ordination plans across the four regions.
What Will the Intern Do?
The intern is expected to:
📝 Assist in writing country and members' profiles, monitoring reporting, and establishing the key areas of expertise of supporting institutions; these profiles will be in English, Arabic and French.
📋 Support membership surveys across the AME region; these will be in English, Arabic and French.
🏦 Assist with identifying financial institutions for outreach in line with banking, insurance and investment membership strategies.
🎤 Assist with the preparation of sustainable finance events in the region, including training and awareness-raising activities.
🗒️ Assist the Regional Coordinator in drafting concept notes in English, Arabic and French and in preparing national workshops (sending invitations, logistical matters, etc.), in addition to follow-up activities.
📰 Assist with the development of public communication through, for example, the UNEP FI newsletter, website, case studies and quarterly members calls.
📇 Update the contact database for UNEP FI Signatories, including their areas of active engagement with UNEP FI, if and as relevant.
🤝 Support the Regional Coordinator and the Signatory Relations Manager on any other matters as necessary.
✍️ Assist in writing, editing, proofreading and preparing communications for members in English, Arabic and French.
💬 Assist in community platform creation and management.
Working in Three Languages
Several tasks in this internship are carried out in English, Arabic and French: country and members' profiles, membership surveys across the AME region, concept notes, and communications for members.
Who Can Apply? Academic Requirements
At the time of application, applicants must 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 programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent).
🏅 Have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation.
The job opening also states that 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.
Preferred Fields of Study
UNEP FI is looking for a final year undergraduate or master's degree student in one of these fields, with some experience in communications:
🌐 Development studies
📊 Economics
💼 Business administration
💹 Finance
🌱 Environmental studies
Do You Need Work Experience?
No. 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 you are applying for is required, and applicants are asked to explain how they meet this criterion.
Language Requirements
🏛️ English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
🗣️ For this internship, fluency in spoken and written English and French is required.
➕ Knowledge of Arabic is desirable.
Is the UNEP FI Internship Paid?
No. Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Our guide to internships abroad for students and recent graduates explains how different internships are funded.
Visa and Work Authorisation
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 at Any Stage
The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). The United Nations also does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts. You can read how we verify opportunities and spot scam red flags before applying anywhere.
How to Apply
📌 State which of the academic requirements you meet.
📎 Attach proof (of enrolment or of graduation) to the application.
🧩 Explain how your field of study is closely related to this internship.
📜 Note that an official certificate will have to be provided at a later stage, and the selected intern must be able to show proof of enrolment or of graduation date.
Find more opportunities like this in our internship and traineeship listings on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UNEP FI Africa and Middle East internship paid?
No. Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions.
Can the internship be done remotely?
The work location is listed as Remote/ Geneva, and the duty station is Geneva, Switzerland. The expected duration is 6 months.
Which languages do I need?
Fluency in spoken and written English and French is required. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable, and several tasks involve profiles, surveys, concept notes and communications in English, Arabic and French.
Do I need professional work experience?
No. Applicants to the UN Internship Programme do not need professional work experience, but a field of study closely related to the internship is required.
Can recent graduates apply?
Yes. Graduates with a university degree can apply, but if selected they must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation.
Which fields of study fit this internship?
UNEP FI is looking for final year undergraduate or master's degree students in development studies, economics, business administration, finance or environmental studies, with some experience in communications.
Who will supervise the intern?
The intern works under the direct supervision of Signatory Relations and closely with the Africa and Middle East (AME) Regional Coordinator.
Does the UN charge an application fee?
No. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.
Deadline
⏳ 20 October 2026
Link
🔗 Apply Now: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/285846?language=en
