Assistant Economic Analyst Internship

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 countries, including Eswatini, where it aims to support sustainable development and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN Resident Coordinator leads the UN Country Team (UNCT) in Eswatini, ensuring effective collaboration among different UN agencies and representing the UN Secretary-General to the government. The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) plays a crucial role in inter-agency coordination, strategic planning, and policy guidance to enhance the UN's impact in the country.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Economic Analyst Internship at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Eswatini is designed for students or recent graduates who are interested in gaining practical experience in economic policy analysis and sustainable development. The intern will work under the supervision of the Development Coordination Officer/Economist and will be involved in various activities aimed at supporting the implementation of the SDGs in Eswatini. The internship will last for five months and is unpaid, requiring the intern to be present in-person at the duty station in Mbabane. The intern will contribute to evidence-based analysis, participate in UN engagements, support SDG-related events, and engage in advocacy and communication activities related to sustainable development. This role is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to enhance their understanding of economic policies and their application in a real-world context, particularly within the framework of the UN's mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Supporting evidence-based analysis to identify trends in sustainable development, challenges, and opportunities in Eswatini.
• Participating in internal and external UN engagements to provide advice on innovative economic and SDG policies.
• Assisting in the planning and management of SDG-related events and initiatives.
• Engaging in advocacy and communication activities to promote sustainable development.
• Supporting knowledge management on SDG issues and facilitating learning within relevant networks.
• Maintaining and building partnerships with government entities, development partners, and other stakeholders involved in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
• Keeping updated on socio-economic trends in Eswatini and analyzing their implications for UN development cooperation.
• Performing any other duties as assigned by the supervisors.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants for the UN Internship Programme are not required to have prior professional work experience. However, candidates must be enrolled in or have completed a degree program that is closely related to the internship. Specifically, applicants should be students in their final year of a bachelor’s degree, or enrolled in a master’s or Ph.D. program, or have completed such programs. Preferred fields of study include economics, economic policy and planning, public policy, or other related disciplines. Additionally, candidates should possess strong analytical skills, proficiency in econometric tools and statistical analysis, and effective writing and presentation skills. An interest in coordination, volunteerism, and the UN System is also desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be pursuing or have completed a university degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D.) in a relevant field such as economics, economic policy, or public policy. The internship is particularly suited for those in their final year of study, as they will be able to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting while gaining valuable experience in the UN system.

Experience:
While prior professional experience is not mandatory for this internship, candidates should demonstrate a strong academic background in relevant fields. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates who are eager to learn and contribute to the UN's mission in Eswatini. The focus is on providing a learning experience rather than requiring extensive prior work experience.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is another working language. Additionally, familiarity with Siswati, the local language, is desirable but not mandatory. Proficiency in these languages will enhance the intern's ability to communicate effectively within the UN environment and engage with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and candidates are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Eswatini may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the UN before accepting the internship offer. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring that all applicants can apply without financial barriers.