The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is inviting applications for a Climate Adaptation and Resilience Internship, offering an opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain practical experience in sustainable finance, climate adaptation and financial-sector resilience.
The internship is hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and is based in Geneva, Switzerland, with the work arrangement listed as remote or Geneva. The six-month internship is available under the Environmental Affairs job family and carries the Affiliate Personnel – Internships, I-1 classification.
UNEP FI Climate Adaptation Internship Overview
The internship will support UNEP FI’s Climate team and its Climate Adaptation and Resilience (A&R) programme. The programme works with financial institutions to strengthen understanding of climate-related risks and identify ways the finance sector can contribute to a more climate-resilient future.
UNEP FI is a strategic partnership between the United Nations and more than 500 banks, insurers and investors. Its work focuses on advancing sustainable finance and helping financial institutions align their activities with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Key details include:
- Position: Climate Adaptation and Resilience Intern
- Organization: United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative
- Department: United Nations Environment Programme
- Job Opening ID: 281587
- Location: Remote or Geneva, Switzerland
- Duration: Six months
- Category: Affiliate Personnel – Internships, I-1
- Job family: Environmental Affairs
- Application deadline: August 14, 2026
- Remuneration: Unpaid internship
Internship Responsibilities
The successful intern will assist the UNEP FI Climate Change team with implementation, coordination and management activities connected to climate adaptation and resilience finance.
The internship will provide exposure to several flagship initiatives, including the Principles for Responsible Banking Climate Journey, regional workshops, the Investors Resilience Challenge, the Community of Practice on Adaptation and the Resilience Finance Mobilization pilot project in Kenya.
Responsibilities may include:
- Conducting research on climate adaptation and resilience finance.
- Analyzing physical climate risks and adaptation finance.
- Researching resilience measurement and sustainable finance developments.
- Supporting publications, case studies and briefing materials.
- Collecting data and assisting with benchmarking exercises.
- Supporting coordination of adaptation programmes and working groups.
- Engaging with banks, insurers, investors, development finance institutions and UN agencies.
- Organizing webinars, workshops and consultation meetings.
- Preparing presentations, meeting materials, background notes and minutes.
- Drafting monthly newsletters for the Adaptation Community of Practice.
- Supporting stakeholder mapping, surveys and consultations.
- Maintaining stakeholder databases and outreach activities.
- Developing training materials and capacity-building resources.
- Supporting resource mobilization, concept notes and funding proposals.
Eligibility and Academic Requirements
The internship is open to applicants who meet the United Nations requirements for participation in its Internship Programme.
Applicants must, at the time of application, satisfy at least one of the following conditions:
- Be enrolled in a graduate programme leading to a second university degree or higher.
- Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree at Bachelor’s level or equivalent.
- Have completed a university degree and, if selected, begin the internship within one year of graduation.
Applicants are not required to have previous professional work experience. However, their field of study must be closely related to the internship.
Relevant academic backgrounds may include:
- Economics
- Social sciences
- Natural sciences
- Environmental science
- Public policy
- Sustainable development
- International relations
- Business administration
- Finance
- Related disciplines
Applicants must provide appropriate proof of their academic status and may be required to submit an official certificate at a later stage of the recruitment process.
Language Requirements
Fluency in written and spoken English is required for the internship.
English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is considered desirable.
What the Internship Offers
The opportunity provides exposure to the intersection of climate change, finance and sustainable development. Interns can gain experience in research, stakeholder engagement, programme coordination, communications, knowledge production and capacity building.
The role may be particularly relevant to students and recent graduates interested in climate finance, environmental policy, sustainable development, international development, responsible banking and financial-sector resilience.
Important Financial and Visa Information
The United Nations states that interns are not financially remunerated. Travel, visa, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions.
Applicants who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work or employment authorization. Successful candidates are advised to clarify their specific visa requirements before accepting an internship offer.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official United Nations Careers website before the August 14, 2026 deadline.
Applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements and provide evidence of their academic status and relevant field of study.
The United Nations also emphasizes that it does not charge any fee at any stage of its recruitment process, including applications, interviews, processing or training.
Deadline
The application deadline for the UNEP FI Climate Adaptation and Resilience Internship is August 14, 2026.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to complete their applications before the closing date and ensure that all required information and supporting documentation are accurately provided.
