Jobs at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

• The overall objective of UNEP's Ecosystems Division is to support countries in conserving, restoring and sustainably managing their terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems, the biodiversity they contain and the products and services they provide for human well-being and prosperity.
• It helps countries develop policies and programmes to respond to ecosystems challenges, and reduce pollution from land-based and sea-based activities, increase resilience to climate change and reflect linkages between poverty and environment in their development planning. The SSPU’s work is guided by its project document “Preventing and addressing the degradation of freshwater and marine ecosystems from source to sea”, which includes three key areas of work:
• Enhancing Wastewater, Nutrient Management and Sanitation Provision for Marginalized Coastal Communities in Sabah, Malaysia ;
• Supporting strategies, capacity and data for global wastewater and environmental surveillance in Africa; and
• Capacity development project on water quality in the Wider Caribbean Region, including the Gulf of Mexico. Communication and outreach are key components for the success of this project and its areas of work. The main objective of the position of Communications Intern is to support the SSPU in the tasks of the overall communication strategy for the project “Preventing and addressing the degradation of freshwater and marine ecosystems from source to sea”.
• The Communications Intern is expected to support the project team in the production and use of efficient and strategic communication products and developing awareness raising material on related topics. The Communications Intern/ will operate under the supervision of the wastewater Programme Management Officer (P4) of the SSPU in coordination with the others PMOs of the Unit, under the overall supervision of the Chief of Unit at UNEP, and in collaboration with Communication Officer of the MFB.

Qualifications/special skills

• Applicants must, at the time of application, meet one of the following requirements: 
• Are enrolled in a master’s or in a Ph.D. programme; or • Are enrolled in the final year of a bachelor’s programme; or Are within one year after graduation from a Bachelor’s, master’s or Ph.D. programme. in the field of communications, public relations, languages, Information Technology, Graphic Design, or equivalent.
• In addition: Demonstrate pleasant interpersonal skills.
• Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.
• Have a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and has a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter.

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Duties and Responsibilities

• Assess and Map Funding Opportunities from Existing Donors: Undertake a comprehensive analysis of UNEP’s current donor portfolio and funding mechanisms to identify opportunities aligned with digital transformation priorities. This includes mapping existing donors’ thematic interests, funding cycles, and preferred modalities. Based on the findings, provide strategic recommendations to enhance engagement with current donors, including proposals for thematic alignment and optimal timing. The consultant will also map and advise on opportunities to engage with regular funding calls from key sources, such as the United Nations Partnership Development Framework (UNPDF), the International Climate Initiative (IKI), and similar initiatives.
• Assess and Map Funding Opportunities from New Donors: Identify and assess potential new donors with an interest in digital transformation, evaluating their strategic priorities, funding interests, and alignment with UNEP’s mandate. Analyse opportunities across a broad range of sectors, including governments, foundations, private sector entities, and innovative funding mechanisms. Based on this analysis, develop a structured outreach and engagement plan to build strategic relationships and maximize funding opportunities.
• The consultant is expected to think creatively and proactively identify emerging and unconventional funding sources to support UNEP’s digital transformation agenda.
• Develop Fundraising Materials: Develop compelling and tailored fundraising materials, including pitch decks, concept notes, and proposals aligned with donor priorities. Work closely with team members to refine narratives and strategically package the team's work across key thematic areas — such as environmental data, digital innovation, capacity building, and artificial intelligence — to maximize funding opportunities.
• Reaching out to Potential Donors: A Proactively identify and reach out to potential donors with a focus on securing financial support for UNEP’s digital transformation priorities. Target funding sources including public sector funding mechanisms, foundations, high net worth individuals (HNWIs), among others. Work closely with team members to develop and maintain donor engagement, ensuring continuity throughout the fundraising process.
• Draft and submit tailored proposals and funding requests that align UNEP’s priorities with donor interests and maximize chances of success.
• Strengthen Donor Relationships and Fundraising Knowledge Management: Develop a simple and practical system to document, track, and extract key insights from donor interactions, ensuring institutional memory and continuity in fundraising efforts. This includes maintaining records of outreach, funding history, engagement strategies, and donor intelligence to inform future approaches.
• Reporting to the Team on Progress and Insights: Provide regular updates to the team on fundraising activities, including progress made, challenges encountered, and emerging opportunities.
• Ensure reporting is solution-oriented, highlighting successes, lessons learned, and areas for continuous improvement. Reporting should support strategic decision-making.

Qualifications/special skills

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in International Development, Business Administration, Public Policy, Environmental Science, Social Sciences or another related discipline.
• At least 10 years of proven experience in fundraising, resource mobilization, or donor relations within international organizations, NGOs, or public/private sector entities.
• Demonstrated success in securing funds from a variety of sources.
• Experience in building long-term partnerships for transformational projects in alignment with an organization’s strategic goals.
• Proven track record in managing complex donor relations and engaging with diverse stakeholders across sectors.
• Experience in coordinating fundraising initiatives across multiple regions or global settings.
• Experience working in or collaborating with UN agencies or other large international development organizations is an advantage.
• Familiarity with environmental issues and digital transformation is highly desirable, particularly experience with projects focused on climate action, biodiversity, or environmental policy.