Internship in Trade and Development

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 global economy. The organization operates in over 190 countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to fostering sustainable development through trade and economic policies. UNCTAD's mission is to support developing countries in their efforts to achieve sustainable economic growth and development, particularly in the context of globalization and the challenges posed by climate change.

Job Overview:
This internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is primarily located within the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and is designed to provide students or recent graduates with practical experience in the field of international trade and sustainable development. The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of five days per week, totaling 40 hours. The intern will work in the Division on International Trade and Commodities (DITC), specifically within the Trade, Environment, Climate Change, and Sustainable Development Branch. The internship is set to begin on February 2, 2026, and will last for a duration of six months. Interns are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and living expenses, and must have a valid visa for in-person internships. The role involves a variety of tasks, including economic, legal, and political analysis related to trade and climate change, as well as supporting meetings and technical cooperation initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of duties under the supervision of the Project Officer, including:

• Conducting economic, legal, and political analyses related to climate change and sustainable trade, preparing qualitative and quantitative inputs for technical studies and research.
• Developing briefing notes, speeches, presentations, and other analytical materials on trade, climate change, and sustainable development.
• Writing short news items and articles about relevant projects and activities.
• Supporting intergovernmental meetings by preparing minutes, summary reports, and participant lists.
• Assisting in the organization of online meetings, seminars, and panels, including speaker coordination.
• Compiling and analyzing regulatory trends and data for technical cooperation project proposals.
• Participating in the development and delivery of training materials related to trade and climate change policies.
• Observing and adhering to UN rules and regulations, ensuring respect for confidentiality and impartiality.
• Providing copies of all materials prepared during the internship to the receiving departments.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet specific criteria to be eligible for the UN Internship Programme. They should be either 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, interns should be computer literate in standard software applications and demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, along with a commitment to its ideals. The ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds is essential. Preferred fields of study include trade, climate change, sustainability, environmental studies, agricultural economics, or other trade-related disciplines. No prior work experience is required, but knowledge of trade and climate-related measures is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in a relevant field such as trade, economics, development, law, political science, or other social sciences. They must be either students in their final year of a bachelor's degree, master's, or Ph.D. program, or have completed such programs. Proof of enrollment or completion will be required during the application process. Knowledge of trade and climate measures is advantageous for applicants.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship. However, candidates should have a strong academic background in fields related to trade, economics, or sustainable development. The internship is designed to provide practical experience and enhance the educational experience of students or recent graduates.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another UN language is desirable and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for all costs associated with travel, accommodation, health insurance, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. Successful candidates should clarify their visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.