Intern - Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division

Job Posting Organization:
The Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division (MPFD) is part of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The division focuses on providing normative-analytical and capacity-development activities to its 53 member states and 9 associate members. It aims to address the diverse geographic, demographic, and socioeconomic conditions of these countries. MPFD engages in analytical studies, policy-oriented research, and capacity building, facilitating policy dialogues on macroeconomic and financing issues relevant to the region. The organization is dedicated to promoting sustainable development and enhancing the economic resilience of its member states.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the MPFD is designed for individuals who are eager to contribute to the division's research activities and capacity development initiatives. Interns will work under the guidance of the Section Chief and a responsible officer, engaging in various tasks that support the division's objectives. The internship is unpaid and has a minimum duration of three months, extendable up to six months. Interns are expected to work five days a week, totaling 35 hours. The role encompasses two main areas: macroeconomic policy and analysis, and financing for development. Interns will be involved in research, analysis, and the organization of workshops and events, contributing to the overall mission of the division to address macroeconomic challenges and promote sustainable financing strategies in the Asia-Pacific region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: conducting research and analysis on macroeconomic policies such as monetary and fiscal policy, tax cooperation, and public finance governance; identifying risks to sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region; preparing summary tables and graphs for ESCAP publications; supporting technical consultations and workshops related to sustainable finance; designing capacity-building materials; researching sustainable financing instruments; and assisting in the implementation of demonstration projects. Interns will also be responsible for documenting case studies and best practices, preparing inputs for publications, and performing other related duties as assigned by their supervisors.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, candidates must meet specific criteria: they should be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program or be in the final year of a bachelor's degree program. Relevant fields of study include macroeconomics, international economics, development studies, political economy, applied econometrics, finance, and environmental studies. While computer literacy in statistical software is desirable, it is not mandatory. Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in the United Nations' work and possess the ability to interact with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. No prior work experience is required, but candidates should exhibit skills that would benefit the United Nations during their internship.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a background in relevant fields such as macroeconomics, international economics, development economics, political economy, applied econometrics, finance, or environmental studies. A graduate degree or being in the final year of a bachelor's degree program is required. Familiarity with statistical methods and data analysis is advantageous, as is proficiency in standard software applications and statistical packages like Stata, Eviews, SPSS, and R.

Experience:
No prior work experience is necessary to apply for the internship. However, candidates should possess skills and knowledge gained through their education, training, or coursework that would contribute positively to the work of the United Nations. The ability to work effectively in a team, manage tight deadlines, and multitask is desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for the internship. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, Chinese, or Russian, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Candidates who are not citizens or permanent residents of Thailand may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization. The cover letter must include specific details such as the title of the degree program, graduation date, IT skills, areas of interest, and reasons for suitability for the internship. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further consideration. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.