Intern - Economic Affairs (Inclusive Industrialization and Subregional Initiatives)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations, addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN operates in various sectors, including humanitarian aid, development, and human rights, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees worldwide. The organization is committed to fostering inclusive and sustainable development, and it has numerous specialized agencies and programs that work in different countries to achieve these goals.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is designed for individuals who are eager to gain practical experience in the field of economic affairs, particularly in the context of inclusive industrialization and subregional initiatives. The intern will work under the direct supervision of an Economic Affairs Officer at the Subregional Office for Southern Africa (SRO-SA). The role involves contributing to the implementation of technical assistance projects, which may vary in focus and scope. Interns will engage in a variety of tasks, including project planning, document preparation, and research, aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the office's outputs. This position offers a unique opportunity to learn about the UN's operations and to develop skills in project management, research, and communication within an international context.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a wide range of tasks that support the office's projects. Key responsibilities include:

• Preparing and updating a calendar of activities for the project, ensuring timelines are met;
• Assisting in the preparation of substantive documents for workshops and meetings, including concept notes and agendas;
• Planning and organizing workshops, including drafting invitations and ensuring high participation;
• Servicing workshops by taking notes and drafting speeches;
• Preparing terms of reference for consultants;
• Conducting literature reviews and research on inclusive industrialization and MSMEs;
• Assisting in data collection and analysis for the inclusive industrialization database;
• Contributing to the development of country strategies and profiles;
• Supporting the data and statistics focal point officer; 1
• Establishing necessary databases for projects; 1
• Providing innovative ideas to enhance project outputs; 1
• Identifying suitable methodologies for project delivery; 1
• Performing administrative tasks in consultation with administrative staff; 1
• Preparing communication materials for project dissemination; 1
• Completing ad-hoc requests from senior staff to ensure timely project delivery.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet specific criteria:

• Enrollment in or completion of a graduate program (second university degree or equivalent) or the final year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level);
• For recent graduates, they must have graduated within the last three months or be awaiting results. Preferred fields of study include economics, international economics, agriculture, natural resources, industrial economics, economic policy, international trade, and regional integration. Additionally, candidates should be proficient in standard software applications and possess a research background in industrial economics or related fields. Knowledge of economic software and data analysis tools is advantageous, as is the ability to interact with diverse cultural backgrounds.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a strong educational background relevant to the internship. This includes being enrolled in or having completed a graduate program or the final year of a bachelor's degree. Fields of study that are particularly relevant include economics, international economics, agriculture, natural resources, industrial economics, economic policy, international trade, and regional integration. This educational foundation will equip interns with the necessary theoretical knowledge to contribute effectively to the office's projects.

Experience:
While prior work experience is not mandatory for this internship, any relevant experience in research, project management, or economic analysis will be beneficial. Interns should demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt to the fast-paced environment of the United Nations. Experience in working with diverse teams and understanding international development issues will also enhance a candidate's suitability for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for the internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. A working knowledge of French is desirable, and knowledge of any other United Nations language is considered an advantage. This linguistic proficiency will facilitate effective communication within the international context of the UN.

Additional Notes:
This internship is hybrid, expected to last for six months, and is unpaid. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of Zambia may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.