UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Academic Engagement Taskforce Internship

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the global environmental authority. UNEP FI is a strategic partnership between the UN and over 500 financial institutions, driving the international sustainable finance agenda. The Academic Engagement Taskforce bridges the gap between market actors and researchers in sustainable finance. This internship supports the follow-up phase of the Taskforce, shaping the future of UNEP FI's academic engagement.

Job Purpose

This internship supports the follow-up phase of the UNEP FI Academic Engagement Taskforce, aiming to strengthen the connection between financial institutions and the research community in sustainable finance. The role will contribute to shaping future academic engagement initiatives, potentially in collaboration with partners like PRI. Key activities include synthesizing outcomes from the Global Roundtable, developing action plans, expanding academic engagement in banking and insurance, and designing new formats for researcher interaction. The intern will help foster peer learning, methodology development, and research that aligns the financial industry with the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals, ultimately contributing to UNEP's mission of promoting sustainable development.

Responsibilities

Support the follow-up on Taskforce outcomes and next steps by synthesizing recommendations and developing an action plan. Expand academic engagement with banking and insurance teams, potentially through legal review notes on data access. Design and deliver regional engagement formats for academic involvement in UNEP FI roundtables. Support the publication of priority research questions and research briefs. Contribute to designing a dedicated researcher engagement window, including scoping its model, benefits, and governance. Help launch and coordinate a webinar series and member outreach program on research findings. Support the identification of seed grants or awards for collaborative research. Maintain and expand the database of academic researchers and institutions. Provide secretariat support, including coordinating meetings, preparing briefings, and synthesizing findings into written outputs.

Work Experience

Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study closely related to sustainable finance, environmental economics, political economy, or a related field is required. Familiarity with academic databases, citation tools, or data visualization tools is an advantage.

Skills

Strong analytical and research skills. Ability to work with academic literature and engage with complex concepts. Exposure to sustainable finance and/or financial institutions is a strong asset. Excellent writing, critical thinking, and communication skills in English. Familiarity with academic databases, citation tools, or data visualization tools is advantageous.

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