Intern - Economic Affairs (Trade Policy)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) is a regional development arm of the United Nations, established to promote economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region. The organization focuses on enhancing regional cooperation and integration, providing policy advice, and facilitating capacity building among member states. UN ESCAP operates in multiple countries across the Asia-Pacific region, working with governments and stakeholders to address various developmental challenges. The organization aims to foster sustainable development, reduce poverty, and promote inclusive growth through its various programs and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position in the Trade Policy and Facilitation Section (TPFS) of the Trade, Investment and Innovation Division at UN ESCAP is designed for candidates who are eager to gain practical experience in trade policy and related areas. Interns will engage in a learning-by-doing approach, working closely with professional staff and experts. The internship will cover a wide range of topics related to trade and trade policy, with a focus on providing evidence-based training and policy guidance to governments and stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region. Interns will be involved in conducting research, analyzing trade-related issues, and supporting the development of training materials and policy documents. This position is ideal for individuals looking to enhance their understanding of international trade and its implications for sustainable development, particularly in the context of the region's least developed countries.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a variety of responsibilities that may include: contributing to policy research on contemporary trade issues, including digital trade, e-commerce, and global value chains; conducting literature reviews and drafting background documents; assisting in the preparation of presentations and training materials; supporting data collection and analysis, including maintaining databases; editing and formatting research papers; and helping organize online and onsite events such as seminars and training sessions. Interns will work under the supervision of a staff member and will have the opportunity to develop their skills in research, analysis, and communication while contributing to the organization's mission.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet at least one of the following qualifications: a degree or ongoing studies in Economics, International Trade Economics, Development Economics, or law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law; experience in international trade or development policies; proficiency in data management and analysis; and strong drafting and communication skills in English. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate good interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse environment.

Educational Background:
Applicants should be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program (second university degree or equivalent) or be in the final year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level). A background in Economics is preferred, particularly with a focus on international trade and development.

Experience:
While work experience is not mandatory for applying to the United Nations Internship Programme, any relevant experience in international trade, development policies, or data analysis will be considered an asset. Candidates with practical experience in research or related fields will have an advantage in the selection process.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of five days per week (35 hours). Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. The internship can be conducted remotely or onsite, depending on the circumstances. Candidates are encouraged to specify their preferred mode of internship and duration in their application. The deadline for applications is 11 February 2026, with internships expected to commence around 1 February or 1 March 2026.