Economic Affairs Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) was established to promote economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region. ESCAP-SSWA, the Subregional Office for South and South-West Asia, is based in New Delhi and covers ten member states including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Türkiye. The organization focuses on supporting these countries in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at ESCAP-SSWA is designed for individuals interested in gaining practical experience in economic and social development issues within the Asia-Pacific region. Interns will work full-time for a minimum of three months and a maximum of six months, contributing to research projects related to the implementation of the SDGs. The internship is unpaid and requires interns to work five days a week from the office. Interns will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding of socio-economic challenges faced by the subregion, the processes of regional cooperation, and the operations of the United Nations in developing countries. This role is ideal for those looking to deepen their knowledge of economics, international trade, and sustainable development while contributing to meaningful projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks under the supervision of ESCAP-SSWA staff. These include: (a) Monitoring relevant developments, policy trends, and news articles related to the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs; (b) Collecting details on national policies regarding sustainable development issues in member states; (c) Assisting in data collection, generating figures and tables, and analyzing results to support research; (d) Attending conferences and meetings, providing written highlights and briefing notes; (e) Supporting content creation and media outreach to enhance the UN's digital presence; (f) Providing administrative and organizational support for ESCAP-SSWA events; (g) Engaging in other activities as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). Candidates with backgrounds in Economics, Environment, Energy Management, Finance, Statistics, Communication, and IT are preferred. Additionally, applicants should possess good written and oral communication skills, teamwork abilities, and a client-oriented mindset.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a degree or be in the process of obtaining a degree in relevant fields such as Economics, International Trade Economics, Development Economics, Finance, Environment, Energy Management, Data Analysis, International Laws, and Communication. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of the projects interns will be involved in.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not required for this internship, candidates should be computer literate in standard software applications. Familiarity with econometrics and empirical data analysis methods, as well as relevant software packages such as EViews, Stata, SPSS, R, and Python, is desirable. Skills in data handling and using spreadsheets, particularly Excel, are also beneficial. Experience with social media platforms is considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is mandatory for the internship program. Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset, which can enhance the candidate's profile and opportunities within the organization.

Additional Notes:
The 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 India may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates are advised to follow all application instructions carefully. The application process is ongoing, and candidates are encouraged to submit complete applications to be considered.