Apply for the UNEP Finance Initiative Regional Climate Internship 2026. This remote United Nations internship offers students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain experience in climate finance, sustainable banking, decarbonization, climate risk management, and international environmental policy.
Overview
Applications are open for the UNEP Remote Climate Internship 2026, an exciting opportunity for students and recent graduates interested in climate finance, sustainable development, environmental policy, and financial sector decarbonization.
The internship is offered through the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) and provides participants with hands-on experience supporting climate mitigation initiatives across multiple global regions.
Successful candidates may work remotely or from the International Environment House in Geneva, Switzerland, while contributing to projects that help financial institutions accelerate the transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient future.
About UNEP
United Nations Environment Programme is the leading global environmental authority within the United Nations system.
UNEP works to:
- Promote environmental sustainability
- Support climate action
- Advance green economic development
- Protect ecosystems and biodiversity
- Encourage sustainable consumption and production
- Strengthen environmental governance
The organization plays a central role in global efforts to address climate change and support sustainable development.
About UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI)
United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative is a strategic partnership between the United Nations and more than 500 banks, insurers, and investors worldwide.
For over three decades, UNEP FI has helped shape global sustainable finance standards and supports financial institutions in aligning their operations with sustainable development and climate goals.
Internship Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Regional Climate Intern |
| Organization | UNEP FI |
| Duty Station | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Work Arrangement | Remote or Geneva-Based |
| Duration | 6 Months |
| Contract Type | Internship |
| Department | Industry and Economy Division |
| Functional Area | Climate Finance & Environmental Affairs |
Internship Purpose
The internship supports UNEP FI’s climate teams across various regions, including:
- Africa & Middle East (AME)
- Asia Pacific (APAC)
- Latin America & Caribbean (LAC)
- Europe
The objective is to strengthen climate mitigation initiatives within the financial sector and support banks, insurers, asset owners, policymakers, and regulators in advancing climate action and sustainable finance.
Key Responsibilities
Climate Finance Research
Interns may assist with:
- Climate transition analysis
- Sustainable finance research
- Climate policy reviews
- Decarbonization strategies
- Financial sector climate assessments
Capacity Building Support
Responsibilities include:
- Supporting training initiatives
- Developing learning materials
- Assisting with workshops
- Building institutional knowledge
Banking Sector Climate Action
Interns will help support activities related to:
- Climate risk management
- Impact analysis
- Paris Alignment
- Transition planning
- Sustainable finance frameworks
Regional and Country Analysis
Tasks may involve:
- Assessing climate transition capabilities
- Identifying institutional gaps
- Evaluating sustainable finance opportunities
- Reviewing emissions data systems
Event Coordination
Interns may support:
- Conferences
- Webinars
- Stakeholder meetings
- Capacity-building events
- Regional climate dialogues
Reporting and Administration
Additional duties include:
- Preparing reports
- Supporting project administration
- Maintaining documentation
- Assisting climate programme teams
Areas of Learning
Participants gain practical exposure to:
Climate Finance
Understanding how financial institutions support climate mitigation and resilience efforts.
Sustainable Banking
Learning about environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks and sustainable banking practices.
Climate Risk Management
Exploring how financial institutions assess and manage climate-related risks.
Financial Sector Decarbonization
Supporting efforts to reduce emissions and align portfolios with global climate goals.
Sustainable Development Goals
Understanding the role of finance in achieving the SDGs and climate commitments.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
Option 1
Be enrolled in a graduate degree programme.
Option 2
Be enrolled in the final year of a bachelor’s degree programme.
Option 3
Have graduated from a university programme and begin the internship within one year of graduation.
Preferred Academic Backgrounds
Relevant fields include:
- Finance
- Environmental Science
- Business Administration
- International Relations
- Financial Services
- Environmental Affairs
- Sustainability Studies
- Economics
- Climate Policy
Industry certifications related to finance, sustainability, or risk management are considered valuable.
Work Experience Requirements
One of the major advantages of this opportunity is that:
No Professional Experience Required
Applicants are not required to have previous work experience.
However, academic studies should be closely related to the internship area.
Required Skills
Successful applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong analytical abilities
- Research skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Interest in climate finance
- Teamwork abilities
- Organizational skills
Knowledge of sustainable finance concepts is considered beneficial.
Language Requirements
Required
- Fluency in English (written and spoken)
Desirable
Knowledge of another United Nations language is considered an advantage.
Application Documents
Applicants must prepare:
Candidate Profile
A complete application through the UN Careers Portal.
Cover Note
Including:
- Degree programme
- Expected graduation date
- Relevant IT skills
- Motivation for applying
- Relevant experience
Academic Documents
Applicants may need to submit:
- Proof of enrollment
- Degree certificate (if graduated)
References
Relevant professional or academic references may also be requested.
Important Financial Information
Applicants should note:
Internship Compensation
UN interns are generally not financially remunerated.
Interns are responsible for:
- Travel costs
- Accommodation
- Living expenses
- Visa arrangements
Candidates should carefully review the financial implications before applying.
No Application Fees
The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
Career Benefits
This internship can help build careers in:
- Climate Finance
- Sustainable Banking
- ESG Consulting
- Environmental Policy
- International Development
- Sustainable Investment
- Climate Risk Management
- United Nations Careers
Participants gain valuable exposure to one of the fastest-growing sectors within global development and finance.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
| Organization | UNEP FI |
| Position | Regional Climate Intern |
| Duration | 6 Months |
| Work Arrangement | Remote or Geneva-Based |
| Experience Required | None |
| Education | Students and Recent Graduates |
| Focus Area | Climate Finance |
| Language | English |
| Compensation | Unpaid |
| Eligibility | Global |
Conclusion
The UNEP Remote Climate Internship 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain experience in climate finance, sustainable banking, and environmental policy while working with one of the United Nations’ leading climate initiatives.
Although the internship is unpaid, it provides exceptional exposure to international climate finance systems, sustainable development initiatives, and global efforts to accelerate the transition toward a low-carbon future.
Candidates interested in climate finance, ESG, sustainable investment, and international environmental policy should strongly consider applying for future UNEP FI climate internship opportunities.
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