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

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 development through trade and investment.

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, five days a week, primarily within the Division on International Trade and Commodities (DITC) as part of the Trade, Gender and Development Programme. The internship is unpaid and will last for three months, tentatively starting on May 4, 202

• Interns will be expected to engage in various administrative and technical support tasks, contributing to the delivery of an online course on trade and gender. This role will involve attending meetings, assisting with course content management, participant support, and communication activities, all under the supervision of the Senior Economic Officer. Interns will gain valuable insights into the workings of the UN and the complexities of international trade and development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: attending meetings and supporting coordination activities related to the online course on trade and gender; providing administrative and technical support to the team; managing course content and participant databases; assisting with participant management processes; responding to inquiries from course participants; preparing course-related communications; organizing webinars and virtual activities; monitoring participant engagement and feedback; preparing materials for presentations; and performing other related duties as required. Interns are expected to adhere to UN regulations and maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information. They will also be required to respect the impartiality of the UN and refrain from any conduct that could adversely reflect on the organization.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet specific criteria: they should be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent) or be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level). Additionally, applicants should demonstrate computer literacy in standard software applications, a keen interest in the work of the UN, and the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. While no prior work experience is required, a field of study related to economics, development, law, political science, or social sciences is preferred. Applicants must also provide proof of their academic status and relevant qualifications.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be pursuing or have completed a degree in a relevant field such as economics, law, international relations, data and computer sciences, or trade-related disciplines. The internship is open to students in their final year of a bachelor's program, master's, or Ph.D. program. Proof of enrollment or graduation will be required during the application process, and applicants must indicate their academic qualifications in their cover note.

Experience:
No prior work experience is necessary for this internship. However, applicants should have a strong academic background in a field related to the internship's focus. The program is designed to enhance the educational experience of students and recent graduates, providing them with exposure to the UN's operations and the opportunity to gain practical skills in international trade and development.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of French is considered desirable, as it may enhance communication and collaboration within the UN environment and with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for all costs associated with travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and living expenses. Interns must have a valid visa to work in Switzerland, and those who are not citizens or permanent residents may need to secure the appropriate work authorization. The internship is not expected to lead to employment within the UN, and interns are not eligible to apply for professional-level positions for six months following the internship. The application process requires a complete online submission, including a cover note and personal history profile, and only successful candidates will be contacted. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.