Internship at the United Nations 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. It operates in over 190 countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to fostering sustainable development through economic growth and trade. 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 trade and development. Interns will work full-time, either in-person in Geneva or remotely, and are expected to contribute to the Science, Technology and Innovation for Development Section of the Division of Technology and Logistics (DTL). The internship will commence in June and last for an initial period of three months, with the possibility of extension up to six months. Interns will assist in conducting analysis, contributing to technical assistance projects, and supporting meetings related to the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD). This role offers a unique opportunity to engage with international processes and gain insights into the workings of the United Nations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will participate in various tasks under the guidance of their supervisors, which may include: attending meetings (both online and in-person), assisting in the organization and servicing of the CSTD intersessional Panel meetings, providing substantive support for document preparation (such as presentations and summaries), conducting quantitative and qualitative research on technology and innovation trends, compiling data, and preparing visual aids like charts or graphs. Interns are also expected to support other activities of the section as required, ensuring a structured and supportive learning environment throughout their internship experience.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet specific criteria to be eligible for the UN internship programme. They should be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent) or be in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level). Additionally, candidates should be computer literate in standard software applications, demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, and possess the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. No prior work experience is necessary, but relevant academic training or skills that can benefit the UN during the internship are essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor's or equivalent), or enrolled in or have completed a Master's or Ph.D. programme. Proof of enrollment or completion must be provided during the application process. The educational background should ideally be related to the internship focus, particularly in fields such as international relations, development studies, or related disciplines.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, applicants should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. This could include research experience, coursework in science, technology, and innovation, or involvement in projects related to sustainable development, particularly in the context of developing countries.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not explicitly required. The ability to communicate effectively in English is crucial for participating in meetings and preparing documents.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and all costs related to travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and living expenses must be borne by the intern. Interns must have a valid visa if they are undertaking the internship in-person in Geneva. The internship is full-time, requiring a commitment of 40 hours per week. Interns are expected to adhere to the rules and regulations of the United Nations, including maintaining confidentiality and respecting the impartiality of the organization. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.