Intern in Debt and Financial Analysis Unit

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is a part of the United Nations that focuses on trade, investment, and development issues. Established in 1964, UNCTAD aims to promote the integration of developing countries into the world economy. The organization operates in over 190 countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to fostering sustainable development and economic growth. UNCTAD's mission is to support developing countries in their efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable development through research, policy analysis, and technical assistance.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is within the Debt and Financial Analysis Unit (DFAU) of the Debt and Development Finance Branch (DDFB) in the Division on Globalization and Development Strategies of UNCTAD. The primary focus of this internship is to assist in the research, consensus building, and technical assistance related to debt and development finance issues. Interns will support the preparation of the UN Secretary General's annual report on external debt sustainability and development, as well as provide secretarial support to the UNCTAD Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Financing for Development. The intern will engage in various tasks such as writing assessment reports, drafting project proposals and budgets, monitoring debt management projects, and preparing capacity-building materials. This internship is designed to provide practical experience in the field of debt and financial analysis while contributing to the UN's mission of promoting sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will report directly to the Chief of the DMFAS Programme and will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Assisting in the writing of assessment reports that evaluate debt management practices and policies.
• Drafting project proposals and budgets to secure funding for debt management initiatives.
• Monitoring the progress of ongoing debt management projects to ensure they meet their objectives.
• Preparing materials for capacity-building courses aimed at enhancing the skills of stakeholders involved in debt management.
• Conducting research on debt sustainability issues and the mobilization of financial resources for development.
• Supporting the organization of meetings and workshops related to debt and development finance.
• Collaborating with team members to ensure effective communication and project execution.
• Adhering to UN regulations and guidelines throughout the internship.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet specific qualifications to be considered for the internship. They should be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent) or be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level). Additionally, candidates should demonstrate computer literacy in standard software applications and possess a keen interest in the work of the United Nations. A commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter and the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds are also essential. Interns should have a degree in economics, political science, development studies, or a related field. No prior work experience is required, but relevant coursework or skills that can benefit the UN during the internship are expected.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes a university degree in economics, political science, development studies, or a related area. Candidates must either be currently enrolled in a graduate program or have completed their studies. For those applying from a bachelor's program, they should be in their final academic year. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of debt and financial analysis within the context of international development.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required to apply for this internship. However, candidates should have relevant academic training or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. The focus is on providing students or recent graduates with practical experience in the field of debt and financial analysis, allowing them to apply their educational background in a real-world setting.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of French, which is another working language of the United Nations, is also required. Additionally, familiarity with other official UN languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish is considered an advantage, as it enhances communication within the diverse environment of the UN.

Additional Notes:
This internship is offered on a full-time basis for a duration of six months, starting as soon as possible. Interns are expected to work in-person, and those who choose to work remotely must have access to a computer with the latest version of Office 365 applications and adhere to basic IT security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security practices. All costs related to travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern. It is important to note that there is no expectation of employment with the UN following the internship, and interns are not eligible to apply for professional positions within the UN for six months after completing their internship. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates should be aware of their visa requirements if they are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland.