Economics Research Assistant Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) was established in 1973 and is one of the regional commissions of the United Nations. Its mission is to promote economic and social development in the Arab region through regional cooperation and integration. ESCWA works with member states to support their efforts in achieving sustainable development goals and enhancing the quality of life for their populations. The organization operates in various countries across the Arab region, focusing on issues such as economic policy, social development, and environmental sustainability. ESCWA employs a diverse team of professionals and collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to implement its programs and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Economics Research Assistant Intern will play a vital role in supporting ESCWA's initiatives aimed at enhancing economic policy design and implementation in the Arab region. This position is integral to advancing inclusive growth and sustainable development through analytical research, technical assistance, and capacity-building efforts. The intern will engage in a variety of activities under Cluster 6, which focuses on competition policy, market regulation, consumer protection, and national development planning. The intern will be responsible for conducting background research, performing data analysis, and assisting in the preparation of technical materials related to these topics. This role will also involve contributing to country-level assessments and sectoral studies, thereby supporting the development of policy tools that promote evidence-based policymaking in critical areas such as economic resilience and institutional reform.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be tasked with a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Contributing to economic assessments and regional analyses related to competition policy, consumer protection, and development planning.
• Assisting in the preparation of technical materials, presentations, briefing notes, and working papers for both internal use and external meetings.
• Gathering and processing quantitative and qualitative data using Excel or other software tools to support analytical outputs.
• Supporting the planning and coordination of upcoming meetings, webinars, and other events by preparing background materials and assisting with documentation.
• Maintaining organized records of research materials, reports, and datasets for easy access and retrieval.
• Conducting background research and compiling relevant economic and sectoral data for performing market studies as required.
• Supporting the monitoring and evaluation of national development plans, such as the final assessment of Oman’s 10th National Development Plan.
• Performing other assigned tasks and duties as requested by the supervisor in support of ESCWA’s work under Cluster 6.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet several conditions:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), or be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent), or have graduated with a university degree as defined above.
• Be computer literate in standard software applications.
• Demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter.
• Exhibit the ability to successfully interact with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, showing willingness to understand and tolerate differing opinions and views. Importantly, no previous work experience is required for this internship.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a relevant educational background that aligns with the internship's focus on economics and policy analysis. This includes being enrolled in or having completed a graduate program or a bachelor's degree in economics, social sciences, or a related field. The educational qualifications should reflect a strong foundation in economic theory, quantitative analysis, and research methodologies, which are essential for the tasks involved in this internship.

Experience:
While no prior work experience is required for this internship, candidates should possess a strong academic background and relevant coursework that demonstrates their understanding of economic principles and research methods. The internship is designed for individuals who are either currently studying or have recently graduated, making it an excellent opportunity for those looking to gain practical experience in the field of economic policy and research.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required for this position, as these are the working languages of ESCWA. Candidates should be able to speak, read, write, and understand both languages at a fluent level. Knowledge of French is considered desirable, as it may enhance communication within the United Nations Secretariat, where French is also a working language. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand), while knowledge is defined as a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
This internship is expected to last for a duration of two months, with flexible working arrangements available contingent upon written agreement by the receiving entity. Interns must commit to at least two months of full-time work and complete their internship within six months. It is important to note that interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Additionally, interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. Candidates must also provide proof of valid medical insurance coverage for the duration of the internship and submit a medical certificate of good health prior to starting the internship. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal banking information.