Internship Programme

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 trade and investment.

Job Overview:
The internship at UNCTAD is designed to provide students or recent graduates with practical experience in the field of trade and development. Interns will work under the supervision of the Senior Technical Officer of the ASYCUDA Programme, contributing to the testing and improvement of software applications. The internship is full-time, requiring interns to commit to a 40-hour work week, and can be conducted either in-person in Geneva or remotely. Interns are expected to have access to a computer with the necessary software and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security measures to perform their tasks effectively. The internship is unpaid and lasts for an initial period of three months, with the possibility of extension up to six months, starting in January 2026.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will undertake rigorous testing of developed modules within specific guidelines, assist in improving applications, and repair bugs as necessary. They are required to observe all applicable rules and regulations of the UN, provide copies of all materials prepared during the internship, and respect the confidentiality and impartiality required by the organization. Interns must refrain from any conduct that could adversely reflect on the UN and must not communicate any non-public information to external sources. They are also expected to assist in securing property rights for materials developed during their internship and to adhere to basic IT security practices.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program in Computer Science or be in the final year of a bachelor's degree program in the same field. They should be computer literate in standard software applications and have a keen interest in the work of the United Nations. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and possess a commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. Knowledge of software development with Jakarta EE, Java, VueJS, or Quarkus is desirable but not mandatory.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a background in Computer Science, either through enrollment in a graduate program or completion of a bachelor's degree. This educational foundation is essential to ensure that interns can contribute effectively to the work of UNCTAD and gain valuable experience during their internship.

Experience:
No prior work experience is required to apply for the UN Internship Programme. However, candidates should have relevant training, education, or skills that would benefit the organization during their internship. The focus is on providing students and recent graduates with an opportunity to gain practical experience rather than requiring extensive professional backgrounds.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for the internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Knowledge of French is considered an advantage, as it is also a working language within the UN Secretariat. Proficiency in these languages will facilitate effective communication and collaboration within the organization.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and all costs related to travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and living expenses must be covered by the intern. Interns are not eligible for employment within the UN for six months following the end of their internship. The application process requires a complete online application, including a Cover Note and Personal History Profile. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Candidates will be assessed based on their profiles, and individual interviews may be conducted for further evaluation. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.