Internship in Trade and Development

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) was established in 1964 with the mission to promote the integration of developing countries into the world economy. It aims to support developing nations in their efforts to achieve sustainable development through trade and investment. UNCTAD operates in over 190 countries and has a diverse workforce of approximately 1,500 employees. The organization focuses on various areas including trade, finance, technology, investment, and sustainable development, providing a platform for dialogue and policy-making among member states.

Job Overview:
The internship positions are located within the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and are designed to provide students or recent graduates with practical experience in the field of international trade and development. The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of five days per week, totaling 40 hours. Interns will have the option to work either in-person in Geneva or remotely, depending on their availability. The internship is set to begin on March 2, 2026, and will last for six months. Interns will be expected to assist in various functions related to trade in services, including drafting research papers, analyzing data, and preparing official documents. This role is crucial for gaining insights into the workings of the UN and contributing to significant projects that impact global trade policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Assisting in drafting inputs for research papers and reports on trade in services.
• Contributing to the preparation of technical background documents and policy-oriented papers.
• Building datasets and analyzing data using statistical tools such as Excel, STATA, or R.
• Conducting descriptive analysis and creating visual representations of data through graphs and tables.
• Drafting and preparing official documents, statements, and presentations.
• Supporting the organization of intergovernmental meetings and side events, as well as implementing technical assistance projects.
• Attending and summarizing online and in-person conferences and meetings in Geneva.
• Observing all applicable rules and regulations of the UN and ensuring compliance with the organization's directives.
• Respecting the confidentiality of information and refraining from any conduct that could adversely reflect on the UN.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet specific qualifications to be considered for the internship. They should either be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program (second university degree or equivalent) or be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level). Additionally, candidates should demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications and possess a keen interest in the work of the United Nations. They must also exhibit the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs. While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is essential, particularly in areas such as economics, development, law, political science, or social sciences. Knowledge of Excel is desirable, and familiarity with Power BI, Stata, or R is considered an advantage.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a university degree in a relevant field such as economics, statistics, political science, development, trade law, or a related area. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of trade and development issues that the internship will address. The internship program is designed to enhance the educational experience of students and recent graduates, providing them with practical skills and knowledge applicable to their future careers.

Experience:
While prior professional work experience is not a prerequisite for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. The internship is primarily aimed at students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in the field of international trade and development, thus making it an excellent opportunity for those at the beginning of their professional journey.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of another UN language is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's application. This requirement reflects the international nature of the UN and the need for effective communication across diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and all costs related to travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and living expenses must be borne by the intern. Interns are required to have a valid visa for in-person internships, and those working remotely must have access to a computer equipped with the latest software and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security measures. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates should be aware that there is no expectation of employment following the internship. Additionally, applicants who are related to UN staff members must adhere to specific guidelines regarding their eligibility for the internship.