The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is looking for a dedicated full-time Policy Intern to support its Global Policy Team. The duty station is Geneva, Switzerland, and the work location is remote or in Geneva. The internship lasts 6 months, and applications close on 21 October 2026. Youth Works Hub went through the full job opening so you can see every task and requirement in one place.
Policy Internship Key Facts
🆔 Job Opening ID: 285946
🗂️ 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 or in Geneva, Switzerland
🕒 Expected Duration: 6 months
About the United Nations Environment Programme
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.
What Does UNEP's Industry and Economy Division Aim For?
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
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.
UNEP FI: The UN Partnership With Banks, Insurers and Investors
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.
Why Sustainable Finance Policy Matters
Global policy and regulatory measures on sustainable finance have increased substantially in recent years. According to the job opening:
🏦 Public policy critically affects the ability of finance institutions to generate sustainable positive impacts and reduce negative impacts through financing decisions.
📉 It affects the sustainability and stability of financial markets, as well as social, environmental and economic systems.
🚀 Sustainable finance policies have become central to enabling and accelerating a successful transition.
Why UNEP FI Needs a Policy Intern
A dedicated full-time intern is required to support the Policy Team's expanding communications, events, research, fundraising, reporting and coordination needs, ensuring timely delivery and smooth operations as UNEP FI's sustainable finance work continues to grow.
The intern supports UNEP FI's Global Policy Team in helping financial institutions navigate the rapidly evolving sustainable finance policy and regulatory landscape, contributing to policy communications, events, research, fundraising, monitoring and team operations. Daily responsibilities may vary depending on the intern's background and the priorities of the team. Duties may include, but are not limited to, the four areas below.
A. Communications and Events Support
📣 Assist in the development and delivery of communications materials, including website content, social media posts, newsletter entries, event promotions and stakeholder outreach materials.
🗓️ Using digital project management tools, support the planning and implementation of webinars, workshops, meetings and other events, including preparation of agendas, speaker briefings, event logistics and post-event follow-up.
📊 Track and analyze communications and event engagement metrics, maintain tracking tools and databases, and support reporting on outreach activities.
📝 Prepare meeting notes, summaries and briefing materials for internal and external meetings.
B. Policy Research and Content Development
🔎 Conduct research and analysis on sustainable finance policies, regulatory developments, taxonomies, climate- and nature-related frameworks, and other emerging global policy trends.
🌐 Monitor and summarize policy developments and initiatives across regions relevant to UNEP FI members.
✍️ Support the drafting and editing of policy briefs, reports, presentations, briefing notes and other policy-related content.
C. Fundraising and Operations Support
🗺️ Conduct donor and partner mapping, landscape research and analysis to identify engagement opportunities with public, private and philanthropic organizations.
📇 Maintain donor pipelines, engagement records and reporting trackers, monitoring key deadlines and deliverables, and supporting tracking of outreach activities.
📑 Assist in the preparation of donor briefings, concept notes, proposals, presentations and other fundraising materials.
🧰 Provide operational and administrative support to the Policy Team, including coordination of internal activities, maintaining team resources and supporting effective day-to-day team functioning.
📌 Carry out ad hoc assignments and other tasks as requested by the supervisor or team leads.
D. Desired Qualifications
🎓 Recently completed undergraduate or master's degree studies in public policy, international relations, economics, finance, environmental studies, communications, business administration or a related field.
🧠 Strong research, analytical and writing skills.
🤝 Experience with communications, event coordination, data management, fundraising or stakeholder engagement is an asset.
🌍 Interest in sustainable finance, financial regulation, climate and environmental policy, or international development.
📋 Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
🖥️ Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
🧩 Digital project management experience through Microsoft tools such as Planner and Loop is also an asset.
🗣️ Excellent written and spoken English; knowledge of additional UN languages is an advantage.
Who Is Eligible? The Academic Criteria
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.
The Ideal Candidate Profile
UNEP FI is looking for a recent undergraduate or recent master's degree graduate in public policy, international relations, economics, finance, environmental studies, communications, business administration or a related field. Ideally, the candidate would have prior communications and research-related experience with some exposure to fundraising, philanthropic activities and/or project management through internships or extracurricular activities.
Is Work Experience Required?
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 you are asked to explain how you meet this criterion.
Languages for the Policy Internship
🏛️ 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.
Is the 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 interns or their sponsoring institutions. To understand how different internships abroad are funded, see our guide to paid internships abroad for students.
Visas and Work Authorization
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.
The UN Never Charges a Recruitment 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. Before applying anywhere, you can also check how we verify opportunities and spot scam red flags.
How to Apply
🧾 Indicate which of the academic criteria you meet.
📎 Attach proof to the application.
🧭 Explain how your field of study is closely related to this internship.
📜 Note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage.
You can browse more internship and traineeship opportunities on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UNEP FI Policy Internship paid?
No. Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions.
Can I do the UNEP FI Policy Internship remotely?
Yes, the work location is listed as remote or in Geneva, Switzerland. The duty station is Geneva and the expected duration is 6 months.
Is this a full-time internship?
Yes. The job opening states that a dedicated full-time intern is required to support the Policy Team.
Which team will the intern support?
The intern supports UNEP FI's Global Policy Team, which helps financial institutions navigate the rapidly evolving sustainable finance policy and regulatory landscape.
Which fields of study fit this internship?
Public policy, international relations, economics, finance, environmental studies, communications, business administration or a related field. A field of study closely related to the internship is required.
Which languages do I need for this internship?
Fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN language is desirable.
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.
Do I need professional work experience?
No. Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience.
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
⏳ 21 October 2026
Link
🔗 Apply Now: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/285946?language=en
