Internship in Macroeconomic and Development Policies (MDPB)

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), which was established in 196

• UNCTAD's mission is to promote the integration of developing countries into the world economy, ensuring that trade and development are mutually supportive. The organization operates in over 190 countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing global economic challenges.

Job Overview:
The internship position is situated within the Macroeconomic and Development Policies Branch (MDPB) of UNCTAD, specifically in the Division on Globalization and Development Strategies. The primary focus of the MDPB is to produce the annual Trade and Development Report (TDR), which analyzes global economic trends, emerging shifts, and significant policy issues of international concern. The report also provides policy proposals aimed at addressing these issues at various levels, including national, regional, and multilateral. Interns will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful work that contributes to the understanding of macroeconomic policies and their implications for development. The internship is designed to last for three months, starting in February or March, with the possibility of extending for an additional three months based on departmental needs. Interns can choose to work either in-person or remotely, although in-person interns must possess a valid visa. All associated costs, including travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and living expenses, are the responsibility of the intern.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will support the MDPB's work through a variety of tasks, including: assisting in document and internet research; compiling data and statistics for charts and visual outputs, and integrating this information into Power BI dashboards; providing editorial assistance with texts, charts, and overall layout; preparing substantive inputs, which may involve performing econometric analyses; creating power presentations; and assisting in the development of communication materials. Interns are expected to adhere to all applicable rules and regulations of the UN, respect the confidentiality of information, and maintain the impartiality and independence required of the organization. They will also be required to provide copies of all materials prepared during the internship to the receiving departments.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet specific criteria to be eligible for the United Nations internship programme. They should either be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) or be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent). Additionally, interns should demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, possess a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, and show a commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. The ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds is also essential, as is a willingness to understand and tolerate differing opinions and views. Importantly, no prior work experience is required to apply for this internship.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be either enrolled in or have completed a graduate programme or be in the final year of a bachelor's degree programme. This educational background is crucial as it ensures that interns have the necessary theoretical knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to the work of the UNCTAD. The internship is intended to enhance the educational experience of students or recent graduates, allowing them to gain practical experience in a professional setting.

Experience:
No prior work experience is required for this internship position. The United Nations internship programme is designed to provide students and recent graduates with exposure to the workings of the UN and to enhance their educational experience. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to leverage their academic training, coursework, and skills to benefit the organization during their internship.

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 French is also required, as it is another working language of the UN. Additionally, familiarity with any other official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially compensated by the United Nations, and all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses must be borne by the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is located may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important to note that there is no expectation of employment with the UN following the internship, and interns are ineligible to apply for or be appointed to professional-level positions within the UN for six months after completing their internship. The UN does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.