The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in around 170 countries and territories, supporting governments and communities to end poverty, reduce inequality, and build resilience for long-term development. As the UN’s main development agency, UNDP plays a central role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
One of UNDP’s key priorities today is protecting nature. Through its Nature Pledge, UNDP places nature at the heart of development, supporting more than 140 countries to meet the targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework. This work is guided by three main pillars: shifting how societies value nature, transforming economic and financial systems, and improving policies and practices that protect biodiversity.
BIOFIN: Financing Nature for the Future
The Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) is a global UNDP programme that helps countries understand how much they are spending on biodiversity, how much more is needed, and how to close that gap. BIOFIN has developed a practical methodology to assess biodiversity finance and design solutions that improve how nature is funded.
Since its launch, BIOFIN has supported up to 132 countries. Its first phase (2012–2018) focused on assessments and early finance planning. The second phase expanded this work by helping countries design and implement real finance solutions, strengthening knowledge-sharing platforms, and producing practical guidance. The fully updated BIOFIN Methodology, released in 2024, reflects lessons learned and includes real examples from countries around the world.
More information about BIOFIN is available at www.biofin.org.
Sharing Solutions Through PANORAMA
In 2018, UNDP joined PANORAMA – Solutions for a Healthy Planet, a global initiative that documents and shares proven, replicable solutions for conservation and sustainable development. UNDP serves as a co-coordinator for the Protected Areas / 30×30 Solutions community.
PANORAMA allows practitioners, policymakers, and organizations to learn from real experiences and successful approaches used in different countries. Because financing is one of the biggest challenges in conservation, PANORAMA works closely with BIOFIN to share biodiversity finance solutions that can be adapted and scaled elsewhere.
Internship Opportunity: BIOFIN & PANORAMA (Home-Based)
BIOFIN and PANORAMA are offering a six-month, home-based internship for motivated candidates interested in biodiversity finance, knowledge management, and communication.
The intern will work with the BIOFIN global team, supporting research, documentation, and communication activities. This includes identifying BIOFIN implementation experiences, contributing to the BIOFIN Catalogue of Finance Solutions, supporting publications and events, assisting with blogs and media monitoring, and collaborating with global partners through the PANORAMA platform.
Who Should Apply?
This internship is suitable for students or recent graduates with a strong interest in biodiversity, conservation, finance, or sustainable development. Applicants should have strong research and writing skills, be well organized, and be comfortable working in a multicultural, remote environment. Experience in communication or social media is an advantage.
Proficiency in English is required, while knowledge of French or Spanish is highly desirable.
What Interns Will Gain
Interns will gain hands-on experience in biodiversity finance at a global level, learn about knowledge management tools, and understand how countries implement their National Biodiversity Strategies and meet global biodiversity targets. The internship also offers exposure to working in a UN organization, strengthening skills such as communication, coordination, analysis, and independent thinking.
How to Apply
Apply online at https://www.undp.org/careers/types-of-opportunities/internships