Internship – Climate/Sustainability Finance and Capacity Building, ESARO – Nairobi (26 weeks)

The purpose of the internship is to support the ESARO Climate Hub on the execution of the Climate Collaboration for Children Implementation Plan (2023-2026) for the Eastern and Southern Africa region, which main objective is to is to ensure that climate change and sustainability issues are mainstreamed into UNICEF’s programmes and operations that relate to the gaps and needs in the region and individual countries.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. 

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 

And we never give up. 

For every child, a chance

How can you make a difference? 

The purpose of this internship is to support the ESARO Climate Hub in its pursuit and efforts in increasing climate finance for UNICEF ESAR, RO and COs, and the children of the region as well as to build capacity around climate, sustainability, and climate finance opportunities. The intern will manage mapping exercises, support the development of clinics and guidance material for country offices and sectoral colleagues as well as work closely with COs, RO, and HQ in developing concept notes and proposals. The position will also entail providing support on climate finance-related tasks to ESARO Partnerships colleagues and the supervisor as well as ad hoc coordination, knowledge management, evidence generation, capacity building, and communication tasks.

Main tasks and responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Climate Specialist in the ESARO Climate & Sustainability Section, the incumbent will be responsible for:  

• Support the development of climate finance capacity-building efforts, such as clinics and webinars
• Conduct necessary mapping exercises linked to climate finance and capacity building
• Support in developing learning and training material for, but not exclusively, climate finance and funding opportunities
• Support in developing TORs, presentations, speaking points, etc
• Review and support COs, RO sector colleagues, and HQ in developing concept notes and proposals
• Ensure that the Climate Hub SharePoint and newsletters are up to date with the most recent information on current and future climate finance-related opportunities, deadlines, etc.

Eligibility & Minimum requirements 

To be considered for the internship, applicants have to meet the following requirements:

• Enrolment in a master’s degree programme in an undergraduate or graduate school, or recent graduation in Sustainability/Environment/Climate finance, Environmental/Climate policy, Communications, International Development, Environmental science, or another relevant technical field
• Proficiency in at least one of UNICEF’s working languages: English, French, or Spanish, and fluent in the working language of the office of assignment
• Strong academic performance as demonstrated by recent university or institution records
• Have no immediate relatives (e.g. father, mother, brother, sister) working in any UNICEF office; and have no other relatives in the line of authority to which the intern will report.

For every Child, you demonstrate… 

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…
(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3)Drive to achieve results for impact (4)Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6)Thinks and acts strategically (7)Works collaboratively with others.

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

Remarks:  

• In accordance with UNICEF’s guidelines, all interns must receive a stipend, the full stipend will be covered by UNICEF ESARO
• There is no expectancy of employment at the end of the internship
• UNICEF will not be responsible for costs arising from accidents and/or illness incurred during the intern’s service, whether on or off UNICEF premises. Therefore, the selected candidate must provide proof of enrollment in a health/accident plan before starting his/her work. If accepted, the intern will be required to provide a copy of health insurance coverage and to fill out the relevant UNICEF forms on conditions regarding service as an intern
• Interns are responsible for obtaining visas for the duration of the internship as applicable. UNICEF may provide relevant documents such as proof of internship
• Interns shall observe all applicable rules, regulations, instructions procedures, and directives of UNICEF.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.