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

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Conference for 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 has a mission to support developing nations in their efforts to achieve sustainable development through trade and investment. UNCTAD conducts research, provides technical assistance, and facilitates dialogue among member states to address global economic challenges.

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 international trade and development. Interns will work full-time, either remotely or in-person in Geneva, for a duration of 3 to 6 months. The primary focus of the internship will be to support the Macroeconomic and Development Policies Branch (MDPB) in producing the annual Trade and Development Report (TDR). Interns will engage in various tasks such as document research, data compilation, and assisting in the preparation of presentations and communication materials. This role is crucial for those looking to gain insights into the workings of the United Nations and contribute to significant global economic discussions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the MDPB's work. These include assisting with document and internet research, compiling data and statistics for visual outputs, editing texts and charts, preparing substantive inputs, and creating PowerPoint presentations. Additionally, interns will help in developing communication materials and must adhere to the UN's rules and regulations throughout their internship. They are expected to respect confidentiality and the impartiality of the UN, ensuring that no information is disclosed without proper authorization. Interns will also be required to provide copies of all materials they prepare during their internship to the UN, which retains all property rights to these materials.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must be either enrolled in or have completed a graduate program or the final year of a bachelor's degree. A degree in economics, political science, development studies, or a related field is required. Interns should be proficient in standard software applications and demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations. They must also possess strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Knowledge of data analysis tools such as Excel VBA, Tableau, Power BI, or Python is desirable but not mandatory. No prior work experience is required, as the internship is intended to enhance educational experiences.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a university degree in a relevant field such as economics, political science, or development studies. They should either be currently enrolled in a graduate program or have completed their undergraduate studies. The educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of international trade and development issues, which are central to the work of UNCTAD.

Experience:
While no specific work experience is required for this internship, candidates should demonstrate relevant skills and knowledge gained through their education or previous internships. The focus is on providing an opportunity for students or recent graduates to gain practical experience in a professional setting, particularly within the context of the United Nations.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of French, which is one of the working languages of the United Nations, is also required. Additionally, familiarity with any other official UN languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish is considered an advantage, as it may enhance communication within the diverse environment of the UN.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and all costs related to travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and living expenses must be borne by the intern. Interns are expected to work full-time, five days a week, for a minimum of three months, with the possibility of extending the internship for an additional three months based on departmental needs. Candidates should be aware that there is no expectation of employment with the UN following the internship, and they must comply with all visa and work authorization requirements if they are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates should be cautious of any fraudulent requests for personal information.