Internship in Trade Policy and Facilitation Section

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat. Established to promote inclusive economic, social, and environmental development, ESCAP supports regional cooperation and integration in the Asia-Pacific region. The organization works with its member states to respond to development priorities and changing needs, leveraging its analytical, normative, and technical cooperation capabilities. ESCAP operates in multiple countries across the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on the unique challenges faced by its member states, particularly the least developed countries.

Job Overview:
The internship is situated within the Trade Policy and Facilitation Section (TPFS) of the Trade, Investment and Innovation Division at ESCAP. This section is characterized by a dynamic and busy environment, engaging in a variety of tasks related to trade policy and trade facilitation. The internship is designed to last between 4 to 6 months, depending on the needs of the division. Interns are expected to work full-time, five days a week, totaling 35 hours, under the supervision of a staff member. This internship is unpaid, providing interns with the opportunity to gain invaluable academic and practical skills while contributing to ESCAP's mission. Interns will engage in research and analysis, training, capacity building for policymakers, and organizing regional dialogues and meetings, focusing on the development needs of the region's least developed countries and other nations with special requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be involved in a range of responsibilities that may include conducting background research, literature reviews, and drafting contributions to ESCAP publications on trade-related issues. They will support the Asia-Pacific Research and Training Network (ARTNeT), the UN Network of Experts for Paperless Trade and Transport in Asia and the Pacific (UNNExT), and the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA). Interns will also monitor and evaluate regional trade agreements, maintain the APTIAD database, and analyze data on trade flows, tariffs, and non-tariff measures. Additional duties may involve providing logistical support for training events, conferences, and meetings, as well as engaging in research topics of mutual interest with their supervisors. Past interns have successfully published joint working papers and policy briefs, showcasing the potential for significant contributions during the internship.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: they must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), or they must be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent). A background in Economics is preferred, although no prior work experience is required. Candidates should possess skills and knowledge that would benefit the United Nations during their internship.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be currently pursuing or have completed a graduate degree or the final year of a bachelor's degree. A focus on Economics is preferred, as this aligns with the work of the Trade Policy and Facilitation Section. The educational background should equip candidates with the analytical and research skills necessary for the tasks they will undertake during the internship.

Experience:
No prior work experience is required for applicants to the United Nations Internship Programme. However, candidates should demonstrate relevant training, education, or advanced coursework that would be beneficial to the United Nations during their internship. This allows for a diverse range of applicants, including those who may be new to the workforce but possess strong academic credentials and skills.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for the internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. While remote internships are an option, applicants may be required to undertake the internship in person depending on visa and travel constraints. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Thailand may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. It is important for candidates to specify their preferred start and end dates in their cover letter, and to ensure that their application is complete, as incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.