Economics Intern

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 humanitarian efforts. The UN Resident Coordinator leads the UN Country Team (UNCT) in Eswatini, ensuring effective collaboration among different UN agencies to enhance operational activities at the country level. The UNCT works closely with the government and other stakeholders to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improve the lives of people in Eswatini. The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) plays a crucial role in inter-agency coordination, strategic planning, and policy guidance, contributing to the overall mission of the UN in the country.

Job Overview:
The Economics Intern position at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Eswatini is designed for individuals seeking to gain 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 is expected to last for five months and is unpaid, requiring the intern to be present at the duty station in Mbabane. The intern will assist in providing evidence-based economic analysis, participate in UN engagements, support SDG-related events, and engage in advocacy and communication activities. This role is an excellent opportunity for students or recent graduates to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world context while contributing to the UN's mission in Eswatini.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of duties, 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 policies related to the SDGs.
• Assisting in the planning and management of events related to the SDGs.
• Engaging in advocacy and communication activities to promote sustainable development.
• Supporting knowledge management on SDG-related issues and fostering 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 closely related to the internship. This includes being a student in the final year of a bachelor's degree, master's, or Ph.D. program, or having already completed such a program. Preferred fields of study include economics, economic policy and planning, public policy, or other related disciplines. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of Eswatini's socio-economic context, possess strong analytical skills, and be proficient in using econometric tools and statistical analysis software. Additionally, candidates should have excellent writing and presentation skills, as well as an interest in coordination and volunteerism within the UN System.

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, public policy, or a closely related area. The internship is particularly suited for students in their final year of study, as they will be able to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting while contributing to the UN's objectives in Eswatini.

Experience:
While prior professional experience is not mandatory for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. This could include internships, volunteer work, or academic projects related to economic analysis, sustainable development, or public policy.

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. Additionally, familiarity with Siswati is desirable, as it may enhance communication with local stakeholders and contribute to the effectiveness of the intern's work in Eswatini.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and candidates are responsible for their own travel, 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, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.