The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is looking for a Sustainable Fiscal Policy and Public Finance Intern to join its Economic and Fiscal Policy Unit in Geneva, Switzerland. The internship lasts 6 months, and applications close on 24 October 2026. Youth Works Hub went through the full job opening so you can see every task and requirement in one place.
Sustainable Fiscal Policy Internship Key Facts
🆔 Job Opening ID: 286121
🗂️ Job Family: Economic Affairs
🏷️ Category and Level: Affiliate Personnel, Internships, I-1
👤 Recruitment Type: Intern
📍 Duty Station: Geneva
🏢 Department/Office: United Nations Environment Programme
🧭 Work Location: Geneva
🕒 Expected Duration: 6 months
About the United Nations Environment Programme
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the voice for the environment within the United Nations system, acting as a catalyst, advocate, educator, and facilitator to promote sustainable development through the effective use of the global environment.
UNEP's Industry and Economy Division and the Green Economy Initiative
UNEP's Industry and Economy Division (IED) plays a leading role in the Green Economy Initiative, which aims to shift national economies towards a sustainable trajectory. By doing so, it seeks to ensure growth is driven by increased investment in green sectors and a shift of consumers' preferences toward sustainable goods and services.
The Finance and Economics Branch
Located within the Division, the Finance and Economics Branch examines the manner in which economics, trade, and finance interact with the environment, thereby contributing to sustainable development at the local, national, regional, and global levels.
It does so by working with countries through analytical studies in partnerships with UN agencies, intergovernmental institutions, governments, academic institutes, businesses, and civil society organizations to support the shift to an inclusive green economy.
The Economic and Fiscal Policy Unit (EFPU)
Among the Branch's areas of work, the Economic and Fiscal Policy Unit (EFPU) supports global efforts on green fiscal policy reforms. It advises countries on how fiscal policies can support the inclusive green economy and thus the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals across different sectors.
What Will the Intern Do?
According to the job opening, the intern's tasks are the five below.
🛠️ Support programmatic tasks related to project design, implementation, monitoring, and reporting for projects on issues such as, but not limited to, net-zero and nature-positive integration as well as sustainable fiscal policy and public finance.
🔬 Support policy research and advocacy work related to the area of sustainable fiscal policy and public policy, which includes, but is not limited to, harmful subsidies, specifically those related to agriculture and fossil fuels, and sustainable budgeting.
📣 Support the communications efforts of UNEP EFPU and the Green Fiscal Policy Network.
🧩 Support the programmatic, policy, and communications needs of the unit.
🤝 Support the team and unit with other activities as requested.
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.
Preferred Fields of Study and Experience
🎓 The candidate would benefit from having a degree in related fields such as economics, environment, public policy, development, and international relations.
🌱 The candidate would also benefit from previous work experience on issues regarding the green economy.
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.
Maximum Duration of UN Secretariat Internships
Internships with the United Nations Secretariat are subject to a maximum duration of six (6) months. Interns who have completed the maximum six-month period are no longer eligible to undertake a further internship with the United Nations Secretariat.
Languages for the 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, particularly Spanish, 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.
You can browse more internship and traineeship opportunities on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UNEP Sustainable Fiscal Policy and Public Finance 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.
Where is the internship based and how long does it last?
The duty station and work location are Geneva, Switzerland. The expected duration is 6 months.
Which unit will the intern support?
The intern supports UNEP's Economic and Fiscal Policy Unit (EFPU) within the Finance and Economics Branch of the Industry and Economy Division.
What will the intern work on?
Project design, implementation, monitoring and reporting, policy research and advocacy on sustainable fiscal policy and public finance (including harmful subsidies and sustainable budgeting), and communications support for UNEP EFPU and the Green Fiscal Policy Network.
Which fields of study fit this internship?
Economics, environment, public policy, development and international relations. A field of study closely related to the internship is required.
Which languages do I need?
Fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN language, particularly Spanish, 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.
Can I do another UN Secretariat internship afterwards?
Not if you completed the maximum six-month period. Interns who have done so are no longer eligible for a further internship with the United Nations Secretariat.
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
⏳ 24 October 2026
Link
🔗 Apply Now: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/286121?language=en
