Intern - Economic Analysis and Policy Division

Job Posting Organization:
The Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) is a crucial entity within the United Nations that serves as a bridge between global policies and national actions in the economic, social, and environmental domains. Established to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, DESA plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable development through its various divisions, including the Economic Analysis and Policy Division (EAPD). The organization is committed to fostering international cooperation and providing guidance on sustainable development issues, with a focus on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the UN General Assembly in September 201

• DESA operates globally, engaging with member states and stakeholders to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices in sustainable development. The division employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to research, policy analysis, and capacity development, working towards a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Economic Analysis and Policy Division (EAPD) of DESA is designed to provide valuable support in the production of the UN's flagship publication, the World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP). The intern will be integrated into the core team, contributing to both quantitative and qualitative research on macroeconomic topics and policy issues relevant to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This role is particularly significant as it involves assisting in the preparation of policy seminars and expert group meetings, which are essential for the successful dissemination of the WESP findings. The intern will report directly to an Economic Affairs Officer, gaining hands-on experience in economic analysis and policy formulation while working in a collaborative environment that emphasizes research and capacity development in developing countries. This position is part-time, allowing for flexibility in hours worked, and is intended to last for an initial duration of four months, with the possibility of adjustments based on the intern's needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's primary responsibilities will include conducting research and analysis on macroeconomic trends and issues, providing support for the preparation of the World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) publication, and assisting in the organization of policy seminars and expert group meetings. Specific duties may involve gathering and analyzing data, preparing reports and presentations, and contributing to discussions on economic policy matters. The intern will also be expected to collaborate with team members to ensure the timely completion of projects and may be tasked with logistical support for events related to the WESP. Additionally, the intern will have the opportunity to engage with various stakeholders, enhancing their understanding of global economic policies and their implications for sustainable development.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), or be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not a requirement for the UN Internship Programme, candidates should have a field of study closely related to the internship. Proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, is essential. Additionally, applicants should possess working knowledge of statistical or econometric software such as Stata, EViews, or R, and experience in handling large-scale datasets and descriptive statistics is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in or have completed a Master’s or Ph.D. program. This educational background is crucial as it ensures that the intern has the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to contribute effectively to the work of the Economic Analysis and Policy Division.

Experience:
While no prior professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. This could include research projects, internships, or coursework in economics, public policy, or related fields that provide a foundation for understanding macroeconomic analysis and policy development.

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

Additional Notes:
This internship is part-time, requiring approximately 30 hours per week, and is designed to be remote, allowing for flexibility in work hours. The expected duration of the internship is four months, with the possibility of adjustments based on the intern's needs. It is important to note that 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. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.