Intern - Economic Affairs (Trade Facilitation)

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 in the Asia-Pacific region. ESCAP supports its member states through analytical, normative, and technical cooperation work, addressing the development priorities and changing needs of the region. The organization operates in multiple countries across the Asia-Pacific, focusing on fostering regional cooperation and integration.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is located within the Trade Policy and Facilitation Section (TPFS) of the Trade, Investment and Innovation Division at ESCAP. This dynamic team engages in a variety of tasks related to trade policy and trade facilitation, aiming to support the development needs of the region's least developed countries and other nations with special requirements. The internship lasts for 4-6 months, during which interns are expected to work full-time, five days a week, under the guidance of a staff member. This unpaid internship offers a unique opportunity for interns to gain invaluable academic and practical skills while contributing to significant projects and initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be involved in a range of responsibilities, including 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, analyze trade flow data, and assist in organizing section events and training conferences. Additional tasks may be assigned based on the intern's background and the needs of their supervisor, allowing for engagement in research topics of mutual interest.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program (second university degree or equivalent) or be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level). A background in Economics is preferred, but no prior work experience is required. The applicant's education, training, or skills should align with the objectives of the United Nations during their internship.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be pursuing or have completed a degree in a relevant field, preferably in Economics. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding trade policies and economic development issues pertinent to the Asia-Pacific region.

Experience:
No prior work experience is required for this internship position. However, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic training or coursework that would benefit the United Nations during their internship. This could include research experience, analytical skills, or familiarity with trade and economic issues.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile for the position.

Additional Notes:
This 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. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.