Internship at the United Nations Conference for Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) was established in 1964 and is a part of the United Nations Secretariat. Its mission is to promote the integration of developing countries into the world economy, with a focus on trade, investment, and sustainable development. UNCTAD operates in over 190 countries and has a diverse workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. The organization aims to provide a platform for dialogue and policy-making among member states, fostering economic growth and development through research, analysis, and technical assistance.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at UNCTAD is designed to provide students or recent graduates with practical experience in the field of trade facilitation, customs, and supply chain management. Interns will work within the Division of Technology and Logistics (DTL) and will be involved in various research and technical assistance activities aimed at enhancing trade facilitation, particularly in developing countries. The internship is full-time and unpaid, requiring interns to commit to a 40-hour work week. Interns will have the option to work either in-person in Geneva or remotely, provided they have the necessary technological setup. The internship is set to begin in March 2026 and will last for an initial period of three months, with the possibility of extension for an additional three months. Interns will receive training and mentoring throughout their tenure, ensuring they gain valuable insights and skills relevant to their field of study and future careers.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be expected to carry out a variety of tasks under the guidance of their supervisors, including: participation in online meetings, conducting research and analysis on trade facilitation and customs, assisting in the preparation of training materials for National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFCs), creating digital and paper-based promotional products, organizing workshops, preparing drafts on specific issues, and providing support for the preparation of relevant documents. Additionally, interns will be responsible for adhering to UN regulations and maintaining confidentiality regarding sensitive information. They will also need to ensure that their computer systems meet the necessary security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security standards for remote work, including having the latest operating system and security updates installed.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet specific criteria to be eligible for the internship. They should either be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program or be in the final academic year of a bachelor's degree program. Interns should possess computer literacy in standard software applications and demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations. They must also exhibit the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. No prior work experience is required, but a field of study related to the internship is necessary. Interns should be prepared to provide proof of their academic status and relevant skills during the application process.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this internship include being a student in the final year of a bachelor's degree program, or having completed a master's or Ph.D. program. Applicants must provide documentation of their academic qualifications, including the title of their degree and graduation date. This ensures that interns have a solid foundation in relevant subjects that will enable them to contribute effectively to the work of UNCTAD.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, applicants should have relevant academic training or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. The internship is primarily aimed at students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in the field of trade facilitation and related areas. This opportunity is designed to enhance their educational experience and provide them with insights into the workings of the United Nations.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage and may enhance the applicant's candidacy. This requirement reflects the multilingual nature of the UN and the importance of effective communication in a diverse work environment.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and all costs related to travel, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern. Interns must have a valid visa if they are participating in-person in Geneva. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates should be aware that there is no expectation of employment following the internship. Interns are also required to respect the confidentiality of information obtained during their internship and must refrain from any conduct that could negatively impact the UN's reputation. Additionally, applicants who are related to UN staff members must adhere to specific guidelines regarding their eligibility for the internship.