Intern - Economic Analysis and Policy Division

Job Posting Organization:
The Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) is a crucial component of the United Nations that serves as a bridge between global policies and national actions in the economic, social, and environmental domains. Established to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, DESA plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable development through its various divisions, including the Economic Analysis and Policy Division (EAPD). The organization is committed to fostering global cooperation and providing policy guidance to member states, ensuring that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are met. DESA operates in multiple countries, engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders to facilitate development initiatives and capacity-building projects. The organization employs a significant number of professionals dedicated to research, policy analysis, and capacity development, making it a vital player in the global development landscape.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Economic Analysis and Policy Division (EAPD) of DESA is designed to provide valuable support in the production of the UN’s flagship publication, the World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP). The intern will be integrated into the core team, working closely with an Economic Affairs Officer in the Global Economic Monitoring Branch. The role involves conducting both quantitative and qualitative research on macroeconomic topics and policy issues, contributing to the analysis of global macroeconomic trends and prospects. The intern may also assist in the logistical preparations for policy seminars and expert group meetings related to WESP202

• This position offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the workings of the United Nations and to contribute to significant global economic discussions, while also enhancing research and analytical skills in a professional setting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: conducting quantitative and qualitative research on macroeconomic topics; providing research inputs for the World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP); assisting in the preparation of policy seminars and expert group meetings; analyzing global macroeconomic trends and emerging issues; supporting the Economic Affairs Officer in the development of reports and presentations; managing and analyzing large datasets; and collaborating with team members to ensure the timely completion of projects. The intern may also be involved in drafting documents and reports, as well as participating in discussions and meetings to provide insights based on research findings.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required for this internship, a field of study closely related to the internship is essential. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, as well as possess working knowledge of statistical/econometric software such as Stata, EViews, or R. Experience in handling large-scale datasets and descriptive statistics is also desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in or have completed a Master’s or Ph.D. Programme. The educational background should be relevant to the field of economic analysis, policy development, or a related discipline, ensuring that the intern possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge to contribute effectively to the team.

Experience:
While prior professional work experience is not a prerequisite for this internship, candidates are expected to have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. This could include research projects, internships, or academic work that demonstrates an understanding of economic analysis and policy issues.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is expected to last for an initial duration of 4 months, with the possibility of extension up to a total of 6 months. It is important to note that interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. Furthermore, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and fair selection process.