[Hiring] Sustainable Finance Research intern @UNDP

Role Description

The incumbent will work under direct supervision of the Sustainable Finance Specialist and in close collaboration with other SFH team members. They will conduct research and help draft knowledge products on the governance and architecture of sustainability data in finance. Deliverables will support several stakeholder networks (FC4S, SIF, Asia-Pacific economic forum sustainable finance initiative). They will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:

• Research and report drafting:
  • Develop an outline into a comprehensive report examining current practices among insurance supervisors regarding the access, utilisation, and governance of catastrophe-related data.
  • Identify significant gaps and constraints in these processes, as well as opportunities for targeted support or strategic partnerships.
  • Provide evidence-based support for programs around data systems and AI readiness.
  • Guide FC4S members in discussions on sustainability data governance and architecture.
  • Facilitate peer learning about data needs for sustainable finance policy.
  • Develop data dashboards for policymaking.
  • Develop case studies documenting how Ministries of Finance and other governmental entities in the Asia-Pacific region organise or envision the architecture and governance of data relevant for sustainable finance.
  • Design peer-learning sessions based on insights gathered.
  • Support building coherence across workstreams, capture lessons learned, and identify future program opportunities.
• Research dissemination:
  • Assist in the preparation of briefing notes and presentations on data governance and architecture for senior leadership.
  • Support the communication lead with content development to promote research outputs and programme activities through various channels.
  • Support the organization of consultations, roundtables, bilateral meetings, and events as needed.
• The incumbent may perform other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Qualifications

• Self-starter, composed, and patient.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and good interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently, and in an entrepreneurial setting.
• Ability to work and deliver under pressure.
• Demonstrates and promotes the highest standard of integrity, impartiality, fairness, and incorruptibility.
• Demonstrates a high level of responsibility and professionalism in handling sensitive and confidential information.

Requirements

• Eligibility:
  • Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher).
  • Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent).
  • Have recently graduated with a university degree and must start the internship within one year of graduation.
  • Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.
• Education:
  • Field of study required: international development, sustainability, finance, business, economics, political affairs, sustainable finance, or any related field.
• Experience:
  • At least 1 year of relevant experience in sustainable finance, public policy, development finance, or related research.
  • Demonstrated ability to draft clear, evidence-based outputs (e.g., analytical reports, briefing notes, academic papers, or case studies).
  • Experience collecting, organizing, and synthesizing qualitative and quantitative inputs to inform recommendations.
  • Familiarity with sustainability data governance and data architecture concepts is an asset.
  • Familiarity with the insurance sector and/or insurance supervision is an asset.
• IT skills:
  • Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite of products is required.
  • Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, R, etc.) is desired.
• Language skills:
  • Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
  • Knowledge of another UN language, preferably Spanish or French, is desirable.

Benefits

• Interns must provide proof of enrolment in a health insurance plan.
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship.
• Interns may be given a stipend according to UNDP Internship Policy to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship.
• Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.