Internship in Trade Policy and Facilitation Section

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat, established to promote inclusive economic, social, and environmental development in the Asia-Pacific region. ESCAP supports its member states through analytical, normative, and technical cooperation work, addressing the development priorities and changing needs of the region. The organization operates in multiple countries across the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on regional cooperation and integration.

Job Overview:
The internship is located in the Trade Policy and Facilitation Section (TPFS) of the Trade, Investment and Innovation Division (TIID). This dynamic team is involved in a wide variety of work related to trade policies, regional integration, and trade facilitation. The internship lasts for 3-6 months, depending on the needs of the division, and offers both remote and onsite opportunities. Interns are expected to work full-time, five days a week (35 hours), under the supervision of a staff member. This unpaid internship program has attracted high-caliber candidates who gain invaluable academic and applied skills. Interns will engage in background research, literature reviews, and drafting contributions to ESCAP publications on trade-related issues, while also supporting various meetings and studies related to cross-border paperless trade in Asia and the Pacific.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for conducting background research, literature reviews, and drafting inputs for ESCAP publications on trade policies, regional integration, and sustainable development issues. They will support meetings and studies related to the Framework Agreement on cross-border paperless trade, assist the UN Network of Experts for Paperless Trade and Transport in Asia and the Pacific (UNNExT), and contribute to the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA). Additional duties include providing logistical support for training events, conferences, and meetings, as well as engaging in research topics of interest. Interns will also be involved in organizing regional dialogues and delivering advisory services to member governments, focusing on the development needs of the region's least developed countries.

Required Qualifications:
Ideal candidates should have backgrounds in economics, international trade, trade facilitation, public policy, data science, or related fields. They must possess strong communication skills, with the ability to draft clearly and concisely in English. Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds are essential. Candidates should demonstrate client orientation, planning, and organizing skills, developing clear goals consistent with agreed strategies and adjusting priorities as needed.

Educational Background:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent) or be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level). A degree in Economics is preferred, but no prior work experience is required. The educational background should align with the skills and knowledge that would benefit the United Nations during the internship.

Experience:
No prior work experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. However, candidates should have relevant training, education, or advanced coursework that would contribute to the work of the United Nations during their internship.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an asset, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Notes:
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 obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for applicants to specify their preferred start and end dates in their cover letter. The application must include a Cover Note and Personal History Profile, and incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.