Intern, Economic Affairs (Trade Facilitation)

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 Asia and the Pacific, with a mission to foster regional cooperation and integration. ESCAP has a diverse workforce and engages in various initiatives to enhance sustainable development and trade facilitation.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is located within the Trade Policy and Facilitation Section (TPFS) of the Trade, Investment and Innovation Division (TIID) at UN ESCAP. This dynamic team is involved in a wide range of activities aimed at enhancing trade policies and facilitating trade in the Asia-Pacific region. The internship is designed to provide interns with hands-on experience in research, analysis, and support for various trade-related initiatives. Interns will engage in background research, literature reviews, and drafting contributions to ESCAP publications on trade policies, regional integration, and sustainable development issues. The internship is available for a duration of 3-6 months, with opportunities for both remote and onsite participation. Interns will work full-time, five days a week, under the supervision of a staff member, gaining invaluable academic and applied skills throughout their tenure.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including conducting background research and literature reviews, drafting inputs for ESCAP publications, and supporting meetings and studies related to the Framework Agreement on cross-border paperless trade. They will assist in the UN Network of Experts for Paperless Trade and Transport in Asia and the Pacific (UNNExT) and the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA), focusing on improving research dissemination through various channels such as social media and websites. Additionally, interns will provide logistical support for training events, conferences, and meetings, and may be assigned other tasks as required by the work programme. Daily responsibilities will vary based on the intern's background and the needs of their supervisor, with opportunities to engage in research topics of mutual interest.

Required Qualifications:
Ideal candidates for this internship should have backgrounds in economics, international trade, trade facilitation, public policy, data science, or related fields. Strong communication skills, both written and oral, are essential, with the ability to draft clearly and concisely. Interns should possess good interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from diverse national and cultural backgrounds. A client-oriented approach is important, as well as the ability to plan and organize effectively, setting clear goals and adjusting priorities as needed. Candidates must meet specific educational requirements, including enrollment in or completion of a graduate program or the final academic year of a bachelor's degree.

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 candidates from related fields may also be considered. No prior work experience is required, but relevant training, education, or advanced coursework that benefits the United Nations during the internship is advantageous.

Experience:
While no specific work experience is required for this internship, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic knowledge and skills that align with the responsibilities of the position. Interns are expected to engage actively in research and contribute to projects, which may involve collaboration with professional staff and other interns. The internship is designed to provide practical experience and enhance the intern's understanding of trade policies and facilitation in the Asia-Pacific region.

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

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Thailand may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. The internship program is full-time, requiring a commitment of 35 hours per week. Applicants are encouraged to specify their preferred start and end dates in their cover letter. The application process requires a complete online submission, including a Cover Note and Personal History Profile, and incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.