Internship in Trade and Development

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) was established in 1964 and is a part of the United Nations Secretariat. Its mission is to promote the integration of developing countries into the world economy, ensuring that trade and development are mutually supportive. UNCTAD operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. The organization focuses on trade, investment, and sustainable development, providing research, policy analysis, and technical assistance to developing nations.

Job Overview:
The 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 workings of the United Nations. The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of five days per week, totaling 40 hours. Interns can choose to work either in-person in Geneva or remotely. The internship is set to begin on February 16, 2026, and will last for a duration of approximately five months and twelve days. Interns are expected to support various initiatives, particularly focusing on sustainable trade and biodiversity, and will work under the supervision of the Senior Manager of the Trade, Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development Branch.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be involved in a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: assisting in the preparation of inputs for the design and implementation of special initiatives advocating for sustainable trade; supporting the 'Trade 4 Biodiversity' initiative, particularly in communications efforts such as managing the website and social media; preparing briefing notes, speeches, PowerPoint presentations, and other communication materials; aiding in the development of a fundraising strategy for the division, which includes researching potential donors and preparing concept notes; creating communication tools like social media cards and mass mailings; editing web pages for the branch; and performing other related duties as required. Interns are also expected to engage in on-the-job training activities and adhere to all applicable UN rules and regulations, ensuring respect for the organization's impartiality and independence.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet specific criteria to be eligible for the internship. They should either 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, interns should be computer literate in standard software applications, demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, and possess the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. A background in communications, political science, economics, or journalism is preferred, although no prior work experience is required for this internship.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a university degree in a relevant field such as communications, journalism, economics, development, law, political science, or other social sciences. They should either be students in their final year of a bachelor's degree program, or have completed a bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. program. Proof of enrollment or completion of the required educational qualifications must be provided with the application.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship. However, candidates should have a field of study closely related to the internship they are applying for. The internship is intended to enhance the educational experience of students or recent graduates by providing them with exposure to the workings of the United Nations.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position. Knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for covering all costs associated with travel, visas, accommodation, health insurance, and living expenses during the internship period. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for candidates to discuss their specific 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.