The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative is offering a six-month internship supporting Africa and Middle East regional activities. Applications close 20 October 2026.
The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is accepting applications for a six-month internship supporting its Africa and Middle East regional activities. The internship is listed under the United Nations Environment Programme and can be undertaken remotely/Geneva.
The opportunity is suitable for students and recent graduates interested in sustainable finance, economics, development, environmental studies, communications and business.
Opportunity Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) |
| Initiative | UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) |
| Internship | Africa and Middle East Regional Support |
| Job Opening ID | 285846 |
| Job Network | Environmental Affairs |
| Category | Affiliate Personnel – Internships, I-1 |
| Duty Station | Geneva |
| Work Location | Remote/Geneva |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Posted | 6 October 2026 |
| Deadline | 20 October 2026 |
| Remuneration | Unpaid |
What the Internship Involves
The intern will support UNEP FI’s outreach and coordination activities across the Africa and Middle East region while working with the Signatory Relations team and the Regional Coordinator.
Key areas of work include preparing country and member profiles, supporting membership surveys, identifying financial institutions for outreach and assisting with sustainable finance events and workshops.
The intern may also contribute to newsletters, website content, case studies, member communications and community platform activities. Communication and editing work may be carried out in English, French and Arabic where relevant.
Key Responsibilities
The internship may involve:
- Preparing country and member profiles and monitoring reports.
- Supporting surveys across the Africa and Middle East region.
- Researching financial institutions for outreach.
- Supporting sustainable finance events, training and workshops.
- Drafting concept notes and communications.
- Updating UNEP FI signatory contact information.
- Writing, editing and proofreading communications.
- Supporting community platform creation and management.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet at least one of the UN’s stated academic conditions. They must either be enrolled in a graduate programme, be in the final academic year of a first university degree at Bachelor’s level or equivalent, or have graduated from a university degree programme and begin the internship within one year of graduation.
The source particularly identifies final-year undergraduate and master’s students in areas such as:
Development Studies, Economics, Business Administration, Finance and Environmental Studies, with some experience in communications.
Applicants must be able to provide proof of enrolment or their graduation date if selected.
Professional work experience is not required for applicants to the UN Internship Programme, although the field of study must be closely related to the internship.
Language Requirements
Fluency in spoken and written English and French is required.
Knowledge of Arabic is desirable.
Financial Support
This is an unpaid United Nations internship. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation and living expenses, or these costs may be covered by their sponsoring institutions.
Applicants who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may also need appropriate visa and work or employment authorization.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This opportunity is particularly relevant to students and recent graduates interested in sustainable finance, financial institutions, environmental policy, development and regional communications.
The six-month internship also provides exposure to UNEP FI’s work with banks, insurers and investors and its sustainable finance agenda.
Applicants should pay close attention to the English and French fluency requirement and the fact that the internship is unpaid.
Application Deadline
Applications close on 20 October 2026.
Because the application window is relatively short, eligible candidates should review the requirements and submit their applications through the official UN Careers system before the deadline.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official United Nations Careers/INSPIRA platform.
Apply for the UNEP FI Internship – Official UN Application
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UNEP FI internship?
It is a six-month internship supporting UNEP Finance Initiative activities for the Africa and Middle East region.
Where is the internship based?
The source lists the duty station as Geneva and the work location as Remote/Geneva.
Who is eligible?
Final-year Bachelor’s students, graduate students and eligible recent graduates can apply, provided they meet the UN’s stated academic criteria.
Which fields of study are relevant?
The vacancy identifies Development Studies, Economics, Business Administration, Finance and Environmental Studies, with some communications experience.
Is professional experience required?
No. The UN states that professional work experience is not required for applicants to the internship programme, although a closely related field of study is required.
What languages are required?
Fluency in English and French is required. Arabic is desirable.
Is the internship paid?
No. The internship is not financially remunerated by the United Nations.
What is the deadline?
The application deadline is 20 October 2026.
How long is the internship?
The expected duration is six months.
Important UN Recruitment Notice
The United Nations states that it does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including applications, interviews, processing or training. Applicants should never pay someone claiming to represent the UN in exchange for recruitment or an application.
Disclaimer
Opportunities Feed is sharing this opportunity for informational and career purposes. We are not affiliated with the United Nations, UNEP or UNEP FI and do not recruit applicants on their behalf. Applicants should verify all requirements and application details on the official UN Careers website before applying.
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