UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is seeking an intern to join its Risk Centre team in Geneva for a 3 to 6 month placement focused on nature and climate-related financial risks. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed this opportunity: the role sits inside a UN partnership that works with more than 300 banks, insurers, and investors worldwide, and the intern will contribute directly to research, guidance documents, and stakeholder engagement on biodiversity and ecosystem services risks using frameworks such as TNFD and TCFD. The position is listed at the Geneva duty station with the possibility of remote work.
What is UNEP Finance Initiative?
UNEP Finance Initiative is a partnership between the United Nations Environment Programme and the global financial sector, with the goal of mobilizing private sector finance for sustainable development. The initiative works with more than 300 members, including banks, insurers, and investors, as well as over 100 supporting institutions. Its mission is to help shape a financial sector that serves both people and the planet while generating measurable positive impacts.
What is the Risk Centre?
The Risk Centre is a specialized unit within UNEP FI dedicated to nature and climate-related financial risks. It works directly with financial institutions to help them understand and manage these risks through two established global frameworks:
🌿 TNFD (Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures): a framework for organizations to assess, report on, and act on nature-related financial risks and opportunities, covering biodiversity, land, ocean, and freshwater.
🌡️ TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures): a framework for disclosing climate-related financial risks and their implications for companies and financial institutions.
The Risk Centre's work sits at the intersection of environmental science and global finance, translating complex ecological risks into actionable guidance that financial institutions can apply in their decision-making.
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What Will You Contribute As a Risk Centre Intern?
The intern works directly with the Risk Centre team and contributes to the following activities:
📋 Support research and analysis on nature and climate-related financial risks
📝 Assist in the development of guidance documents, reports, and tools for financial institutions on nature-related risk
🔄 Help maintain and update risk assessment frameworks and methodologies
📊 Contribute to data collection and analysis related to biodiversity and ecosystem services risks
📣 Assist in preparing presentations, briefings, and communications materials
🎤 Support the organization of workshops, webinars, and stakeholder engagement activities
🤝 Assist in coordinating with partner financial institutions and other stakeholders
🗂️ Perform other related tasks as required by the team
Education Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following:
🎓 Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher)
📚 Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent)
Both current students and recent graduates who fulfil either criterion are eligible to apply.
Background and Skills
The Risk Centre is looking for candidates with:
🌱 A background in environmental science, finance, economics, sustainability, natural resource management, or a related field (desirable)
💡 Interest in sustainable finance, environmental risk, and biodiversity
🔍 Strong research and analytical skills
✍️ Good writing skills in English
💻 Proficiency in MS Office Suite
📈 Experience with data analysis tools (an advantage)
🌐 Ability to work independently and as part of a team in an international environment
Language Requirements
🗣️ English: Fluency required
🇫🇷 French: Knowledge is an advantage
Duration and Location
📅 Expected Duration: 3 to 6 months
📍 Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland (remote work possible)
The position is based at the UNEP FI Geneva office, with the possibility of hybrid or remote arrangements. This makes it accessible to candidates who cannot relocate to Switzerland full-time.
Financial Conditions and What to Expect
This is an important section for prospective applicants. The United Nations does not financially remunerate interns. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the full responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions.
Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work or employment authorization. Successful candidates are advised to discuss their specific visa requirements with UNEP FI before accepting the internship offer.
You can read more about how internships at international organizations work, including what costs to plan for, in the internship guide on Youth Works Hub.
The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, meeting, processing, or training, and does not request information on applicants' bank accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UNEP FI Risk Centre internship paid?
No. The United Nations does not financially remunerate interns. Travel, accommodation, and living expenses are entirely the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution. If you hold an Erasmus+ grant through your university, it may help offset some of these costs, but this depends on your institution's programme.
Do I need to be based in Geneva?
No. The position is listed with the possibility of remote work, so candidates do not need to relocate to Geneva to be considered. The final offer letter will clarify whether any on-site presence is required.
What academic background is needed?
You need to be enrolled in, or have recently completed, at least the final year of a bachelor's degree programme, or be enrolled in or have completed a master's or higher programme. A background in environmental science, finance, economics, sustainability, or natural resource management is desirable but not mandatory.
What is TNFD and why does it matter for this role?
TNFD stands for Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures. It is a global framework that helps financial institutions and companies assess and report on risks related to biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. The Risk Centre uses TNFD alongside TCFD in its work with financial institutions, so familiarity with either framework is a strong asset for this internship.
Is French required?
No. Fluency in English is the only language requirement. Knowledge of French is listed as an advantage but is not a condition for applying.
How long is the internship?
The expected duration is 3 to 6 months. The specific length is determined in agreement with the team.
Can I apply if I am from outside Europe?
Yes. This internship is open to candidates worldwide. The only conditions are meeting the education requirements and being able to arrange your own travel, accommodation, and visa if applicable.
What is the UN's policy on recruitment fees?
The United Nations does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you are asked to pay a fee in connection with this or any UN application, it is a fraudulent approach.
Deadline
⏳ 14 November 2026
Link
https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/287356?language=en
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