UNEP Finance Initiative; UNEP FI) Pollution and Circular Economy Internship

Organizational context:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the global environmental authority, promoting sustainable development. Its Industry and Economy Division encourages sustainable practices. UNEP FI, a partnership of over 500 financial institutions, drives the sustainable finance agenda. The Pollution and Circular Economy workstream focuses on transitioning the financial sector towards resource efficiency and waste reduction, addressing planetary crises.

Job purpose:

This internship supports UNEP FI's Pollution and Circular Economy workstream, contributing to initiatives that promote a transition to less polluting and more circular economies within the financial sector. The role involves assisting with research, guidance development, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement. The intern will help facilitate peer learning and collective action, supporting the financial industry's alignment with the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in addressing pollution and fostering circular economy principles.

This position offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in sustainable finance and environmental policy.

Responsibilities:
Assist in implementing UNEP FI’s work program on pollution and circular economy, with a focus on plastic and chemical pollution. Conduct applied research on relevant topics and support the development of guidance materials, case studies, and capacity-building programs. Facilitate the activities of the Circular Economy Working Group and the Circular Economy Community of Practice, fostering knowledge sharing and peer exchange.

Support the Finance Leadership Group on Plastics and the Pollution Working Group. Research pollution, circular economy, and finance-related themes, including metrics and data. Collate and synthesize information from various sources, monitoring academic publications. Coordinate communications with working group participants and other stakeholders. Provide project coordination, administrative, and communications support, including maintaining tracking sheets and supporting the production of communication materials.

Education:

Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate program, in the final year of a first university degree program (Bachelor's level or equivalent), or have graduated within one year of application. A field of study closely related to finance, economics, sustainable development, environmental studies, or international relations is required. Fluency in English is essential; knowledge of French or Spanish is desirable.

Work experience:

Professional work experience is not required for this internship. However, a strong academic background in a relevant field such as finance, economics, sustainable development, environmental studies, or international relations is necessary. Applicants should be able to demonstrate how their field of study relates to the internship.

Skills:

Research and information collation;
Project coordination and administrative support;
Communication and liaison;
Data analysis and synthesis;
Understanding of pollution and circular economy concepts;
Familiarity with sustainable finance principles.

Required languages:

Desired languages:
English, French, Spanish