Economic Researcher Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a regional arm of the United Nations established to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. ESCWA was founded in 1973 and has since been working to support member states in achieving sustainable development goals through various initiatives, including research, technical assistance, and capacity-building. The organization operates in multiple countries across the Arab region, focusing on enhancing economic policies, social justice, and environmental sustainability. ESCWA employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to fostering inclusive growth and development in the region.

Job Overview:
The Economic Researcher Intern position at ESCWA is designed for individuals who are keen to contribute to economic policy design and implementation in the Arab region. The intern will play a vital role in supporting analytical research and technical assistance initiatives aimed at strengthening competition policy, market regulation, and consumer protection. The intern will assist in various activities under Cluster 6, which includes conducting background research, performing data analysis, and preparing technical materials. This position is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in evidence-based policymaking and institutional reform, as the intern will contribute to country-level assessments and sectoral studies that are crucial for economic resilience in the region. The intern will also gain hands-on experience in preparing presentations, briefing notes, and working papers for both internal and external meetings, thereby enhancing their understanding of the UN's role in economic development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of duties, including but not limited to: contributing to economic assessments and regional analyses related to competition policy, consumer protection, and development planning; assisting in the preparation of technical materials and presentations for meetings; gathering and processing quantitative and qualitative data using software tools like Excel; supporting the planning and coordination of meetings and webinars; maintaining organized records of research materials and datasets; conducting background research for market studies; and assisting in monitoring and evaluating specific market studies, such as the Oman market study for the building material sector. The intern may also be assigned other tasks as requested by their supervisor to support ESCWA's work under Cluster 6.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet several criteria: they should be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent) or in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level). Alternatively, applicants who have already graduated with a university degree are also eligible. Additionally, candidates must be computer literate in standard software applications and demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, along with a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. The ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds is also essential, showcasing a willingness to understand and tolerate differing opinions and views. Importantly, no previous work experience is required for this internship, making it accessible for students and recent graduates.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes enrollment in a graduate program or being in the final year of an undergraduate program. Candidates must have a strong academic foundation in economics, social sciences, or a related field, which will enable them to engage effectively with the research and analytical tasks associated with the internship. A demonstrated understanding of economic principles and policies will be beneficial for the intern's success in this role.

Experience:
This internship does not require any prior work experience, making it an ideal opportunity for students or recent graduates looking to gain practical experience in economic research and policy analysis. The focus is on providing a learning experience where interns can develop their skills and knowledge in a supportive environment, while also contributing to meaningful projects that impact the Arab region's economic landscape.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required for this position, as these are the working languages of ESCWA. Knowledge of French is considered desirable, as it may enhance communication and collaboration within the UN system. Fluency is defined as being able to speak, read, write, and understand the language at a high level, while knowledge of a language means being confident in at least two of the four language skills.

Additional Notes:
This internship is expected to last for a duration of two months, with flexible working arrangements possible upon written agreement. Interns must commit to at least two months of full-time work and complete their internship within six months. It is important to note that interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and they are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Additionally, interns must provide proof of valid medical insurance coverage for the duration of the internship and submit a medical certificate of good health prior to starting. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.