The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is offering a six-month internship supporting its Africa and Middle East regional activities.
This internship provides an opportunity to work with a United Nations initiative that partners with banks, insurers and investors to promote sustainable finance and help the financial industry contribute to the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The successful intern will support regional coordination, membership engagement, research, communications and sustainable finance events.
📌 Quick Overview
- Organisation: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
- Programme: UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Internship for Africa and Middle East Regional Support
- Job Opening ID: 285846
- Job Category: Affiliate Personnel – Internships, I-1
- Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland / Remote
- Duration: 6 months
- Posted: 6 October 2026
- Application Deadline: 20 October 2026
- Fields: Development Studies, Economics, Business Administration, Finance, Environmental Studies and Communications
- Languages: English and French required; Arabic is desirable
- Remuneration: Unpaid internship
🌱 About the UNEP Finance Initiative
The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative is a strategic partnership between the United Nations and more than 500 banks, insurers and investors.
The initiative works to advance sustainable finance by encouraging financial institutions to incorporate environmental considerations into their decisions, operations and investment strategies.
Through regional activities, research, training, peer learning and the development of methodologies, UNEP FI supports the financial sector in aligning its activities with international sustainability goals.
The internship focuses on supporting outreach and coordination across the Africa and Middle East region.
Also Read: HARVARD UNIVERSITY ONLINE FREE COURSES 2026 – LEARN FROM HARVARD FOR FREE
🎯 Internship Responsibilities
The selected intern will work with the Africa and Middle East Regional Coordinator and the Signatory Relations team.
Key responsibilities include:
- Research and profiling: Assist in preparing country and member profiles, monitoring reports and profiles of supporting institutions.
- Membership engagement: Support membership surveys across the Africa and Middle East region.
- Financial sector outreach: Identify banks, insurance companies and investment institutions for potential engagement.
- Events and workshops: Help organise sustainable finance training sessions, awareness activities and national workshops.
- Communications: Assist with newsletters, website content, case studies, member calls and other public communications.
- Database management: Update contact records for UNEP FI signatories and document their areas of engagement.
- Writing and editing: Prepare, edit and proofread communications and concept notes in English, French and, where applicable, Arabic.
- Community platforms: Support the creation and management of online community platforms.
These responsibilities offer exposure to international environmental policy, sustainable finance and stakeholder engagement.
🎓 Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following academic conditions at the time of application:
- Be enrolled in a graduate programme, such as a master’s degree or equivalent, or a higher degree.
- Be in the final academic year of a first university degree programme at bachelor’s level or equivalent.
- Have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, commence the internship within one year of graduation.
Preferred Fields of Study
The vacancy identifies the following relevant academic backgrounds:
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Business Administration
- Finance
- Environmental Studies
Some experience in communications is also relevant.
Applicants must demonstrate how their field of study relates to the internship and provide proof of enrolment or graduation if selected. An official certificate may be required at a later stage.
Important: Professional work experience is not required for applicants to the UN Internship Programme. However, applicants must meet the academic eligibility conditions and demonstrate a relevant field of study.
🗣️ Language Requirements
Applicants must have fluency in spoken and written English and French.
Knowledge of Arabic is desirable because some regional profiles, surveys and communications may involve English, French and Arabic.
Candidates should carefully assess this language requirement before applying.
Also Read: Harvard University Free Online Courses 2026 – Learn from Harvard for Free
Interns or their sponsoring institutions are responsible for costs and arrangements relating to:
- Travel
- Visas and work authorisation, where required
- Accommodation
- Living expenses
Applicants should consider these financial responsibilities before accepting an offer. Candidates who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship takes place may need appropriate visa or work authorisation.
📅 Application Deadline
20 October 2026
The vacancy was posted on 6 October 2026. Interested candidates should prepare and submit their applications before the closing date.
📝 How to Apply for the UNEP FI Internship 2026
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official United Nations Careers website.
- Search for Job Opening ID 285846.
- Open the vacancy titled UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Internship for Africa and Middle East Regional Support.
- Review the academic eligibility criteria and language requirements.
- Prepare your application, explaining how your studies and skills relate to the internship responsibilities.
- Submit your application through the official UN Careers platform before 20 October 2026.
Applicants should use the official vacancy page to confirm the application instructions and any supporting documents required.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the deadline for the UNEP FI Internship 2026?
The application deadline is 20 October 2026.
2. Where is the internship based?
The listed duty station is Geneva, Switzerland, with the work location indicated as remote/Geneva.
3. How long does the internship last?
The expected duration is six months.
4. Is the internship paid?
No. The United Nations states that interns are not financially remunerated and are responsible for their living and related expenses.
5. Can recent graduates apply?
Yes. Graduates may qualify if they commence the internship within one year of graduation, subject to the stated eligibility conditions.
6. Which languages are required?
Fluency in spoken and written English and French is required. Arabic is desirable.
7. Is previous professional experience compulsory?
No. The UN Internship Programme does not require professional work experience, but applicants need a relevant academic background.
🚀 Start Your UN Career Journey
The UNEP Finance Initiative Internship offers an opportunity to gain exposure to sustainable finance, international cooperation, environmental policy and communications while supporting regional activities across Africa and the Middle East.
If your academic background matches the requirements and you are fluent in English and French, review the official vacancy and submit your application before 20 October 2026.
Click to Apply
For More Opportunities Join Our WhatsApp
