Internship in the Productive Capacities and Sustainable Development Branch

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 workforce of approximately 300 employees. The organization aims to provide a platform for dialogue and policy-making among member states, fostering economic growth and development, particularly in developing nations.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is designed to provide students or recent graduates with practical experience in the workings of the United Nations, specifically within the Productive Capacities and Sustainable Development Branch (PCSD) of the Division for Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes (ALDC). Interns are expected to work full-time, five days a week, for a duration of six months, starting on 20 April 202

• The internship is unpaid, and interns must cover their own travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and living expenses. The role involves supporting the Branch in various projects, particularly in the methodological maintenance of the Productive Capacities Index (PCI) and assisting in the analysis of data related to Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Interns will also contribute to data collection and visualization efforts, enhancing their understanding of international development issues while gaining valuable skills in research and analysis.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will carry out their tasks under the supervision of the Economic Affairs Officer and the Head of PCSD. Responsibilities include supporting the methodological maintenance of the Productive Capacities Index (PCI), assisting in finalizing the SIDS Satellite PCI, analyzing correlations between the SIDS Satellite PCI and the Core PCI, and elaborating quantitative analyses for the National Productive Capacities Gap Assessments (NPCGA) of the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. Additionally, interns will contribute to data collection processes, develop data collection mechanisms, and generate data visualization products such as infographics and maps for reports and presentations. Interns are also expected to adhere to UN regulations and maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information.

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 possess programming skills in R, proficiency in standard software applications like Excel and Word, and a strong interest in the work of the United Nations. They should demonstrate the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and have a commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary, particularly in statistics, economics, mathematics, or a related discipline with a numerate component.

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. A degree in statistics, economics, mathematics, or a related field with a numerate component is essential. Proof of enrollment or completion of the relevant degree must be provided during the application process, and an official certificate will be required at a later stage.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience in a field related to the internship. This could include coursework, projects, or research that demonstrates a strong foundation in the necessary skills and knowledge areas relevant to the position.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as requirements.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for all costs associated with travel, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.