Internship at United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is a part of the United Nations that focuses on trade, investment, and development issues. Established in 1964, UNCTAD aims to promote the integration of developing countries into the world economy. The organization operates in over 190 countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to fostering sustainable development and economic growth. UNCTAD's mission is to support developing countries in their efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable economic growth through trade and investment.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is located within the Division on Technology and Logistics, specifically in the E-Commerce and Digital Economy Branch, eTrade Initiatives Section. This section is dedicated to building a more inclusive and sustainable future by leveraging digital opportunities for development gains, particularly for women. The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of five days a week, totaling 40 hours. Interns are expected to work in-person and must have a valid visa, as all associated costs such as travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern. The internship will commence on April 27, 2026, and will last for four months, concluding on August 28, 202

• Interns will receive training and mentoring throughout their tenure, allowing them to gain valuable insights and experience in the workings of the UN and its initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will assist the section in various capacities, including but not limited to: planning and organizing capacity-building initiatives aimed at empowering women digital entrepreneurs from the Global South; supporting communication with relevant stakeholders; preparing background documentation; drafting inputs for analytical studies, policy briefs, and presentations related to women and digital entrepreneurship; providing support in establishing a new cohort of eTrade for Women Advocates; and assisting in the preparation of communication materials for planned activities such as news items, web content, and social media posts. Additionally, interns are expected to observe all applicable rules and regulations of the UN, provide copies of all materials prepared during the internship, respect the impartiality and independence of the UN, and refrain from any conduct that could adversely reflect on the organization.

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 level or equivalent). Interns should 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. Additionally, candidates should possess the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, showing a willingness to understand and tolerate differing opinions and views. No prior work experience is required, but a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in their final year of a first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in or have completed a Master’s or Ph.D. program. Proof of enrollment or completion must be provided at the time of application, and an official certificate will be required at a later stage. The educational background should ideally align with the focus of the internship, which is centered on e-commerce, digital economy, and women's empowerment in the digital space.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. However, candidates should have relevant training, education, or advanced coursework that would benefit the UN during their internship. The program is designed to enhance the educational experience of students or recent graduates by providing them with exposure to the UN's operations and initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English and Chinese is required for this position. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is considered an advantage, as it may enhance communication and collaboration within the diverse environment of the United Nations.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, 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 Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. Candidates will be assessed based on their Personal History Profiles (PHP), and individual interviews may be conducted for further evaluation. A complete online application, including a Cover Note and Personal History Profile, is mandatory. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The Cover Note must detail the title of the degree, graduation date, IT skills, and a statement explaining why the candidate is the best fit for the internship. Due to the high volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted. It is important to note that there is no expectation of employment within the UN following the internship, and interns are not eligible to apply for professional-level positions within the UN for six months after their internship ends. Additionally, applicants who are related to UN staff members may apply, provided they are not assigned to the same work unit or under the direct supervision of the staff member.