Sustainable Fiscal Policy and Public Finance Intern

Support programmatic tasks in sustainable fiscal policy and public finance areas.

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UNEP - United Nations Environment Programme

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Application deadline 8 months ago: Saturday 25 Oct 2025 at 03:59 UTC

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Overview

Support programmatic tasks in sustainable fiscal policy and public finance areas.

You have:

  • Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher).
  • Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent).
  • Have graduated with a university degree and must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation.
  • A degree in related fields such as economics, environment, public policy, development, and international relations is beneficial.
  • Previous work experience on issues regarding the green economy is beneficial.
  • Strong soft skills, including research and communication skills, are a must.
  • Computer literate in standard software applications.
  • Demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and commitment to the ideals of the Charter.
  • Ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs.

Contract

This is a I-1 contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about I-1 contracts.

Work Location

Geneva

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the voice for the environment within the United Nations system, acting as a catalyst, advocate, educator, and facilitator to promote sustainable development through the effective use of the global environment. Its Industry and Economy Division (IED) plays a leading role in the Green Economy Initiative, which aims to shift national economies towards a sustainable trajectory. By doing so, it seeks to ensure that growth is driven by increased investment in green sectors and a transition of consumers’ preferences to sustainable goods and services. Located within this Division, the Resources and Markets Branch (RMB) examine the manner in which economics, trade, and finance interact with the environment, thereby contributing to sustainable development at the local, national, regional, and global levels. It does so by working with countries through analytical studies in partnerships with UN agencies, intergovernmental institutions, governments, academic institutes, businesses, and civil society organizations to support the shift to an inclusive green economy. Among its areas of work, the Economic and Trade Policy Unit (ETPU) supports global efforts on green fiscal policy reforms by advising countries on how fiscal policies can support the inclusive green economy and thus delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals across different sectors. •Support programmatic tasks related to project design, implementation, monitoring, and reporting for projects on issues such as but not related to net-zero and nature-positive integration as well as sustainable fiscal policy and public finance; •Support policy research and advocacy work related to the area of sustainable fiscal policy and public policy, which includes but is not limited to harmful subsidies, specifically those related to agriculture and fossil fuels, and sustainable budgeting. •Support the communications efforts of UNEP ETPU and the Green Fiscal Policy Network; •Support the programmatic, policy, and communications needs of the unit. •Support the team and unit with other activities as requested.

Qualifications/special skills

Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) b. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent) c. Have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation. The candidate would benefit from having a degree in related fields such as economics, environment, public policy, development, and international relations. Moreover, s/he would benefit from previous work experience on issues regarding the green economy. These experiences should be backed by strong soft skills, ranging from those related to research and communication to being highly motivated and good at self-organization. Applicants will be expected to be computer literate in standard software applications; have demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN Language, particularly Spanish, is desirable.

Additional Information

Not available.

Intern Specific text

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

Potential interview questions

Can you describe a time when you supported a project in a team setting? This question assesses your teamwork and collaborative skills. Discuss a specific project, your role, and how you contributed to team success.
What interests you most about sustainable fiscal policy? This question gauges your passion and understanding of the subject. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you handle conflicting opinions in a team? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe an experience where you utilized research to inform a decision. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide an example of a policy issue you have studied and its implications? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What software applications are you proficient in, and how have you used them in your work? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Why do you want to work with the United Nations Environment Programme? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you describe your organizational skills in managing multiple projects? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 9 months ago - Updated 8 months ago - Source: careers.un.org