Internship in Trade Policy and Facilitation Section

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) is a regional development arm of the United Nations, established in 194

• It aims to promote economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region. UN ESCAP works with 62 member states and 9 associate members, focusing on sustainable development, trade, investment, and innovation. The organization employs a diverse workforce of professionals and experts dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by the region's least developed countries and other nations with special needs.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position in the Trade Policy and Facilitation Section (TPFS) of the Trade, Investment and Innovation Division at UN ESCAP is designed for candidates interested in gaining practical experience in trade policy work. Interns will engage in various activities that contribute to the organization's mission of providing evidence-based policy guidance and capacity building for governments and stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region. The internship is available in both remote and onsite formats, allowing flexibility for candidates. Interns will work closely with professional staff and experts, gaining insights into trade-related issues and policies while developing their skills through hands-on experience. The position is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 35 hours per week, with the expectation that interns will contribute to research, analysis, and the organization of events related to trade and trade policy.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a range of responsibilities that may vary based on their background and the needs of their supervisor. Key duties include contributing to policy research on contemporary trade issues, conducting literature analysis, drafting background documents and policy notes, preparing presentations and training materials, supporting data collection and analysis, maintaining databases, editing and formatting papers, and assisting in organizing online or onsite events such as seminars and meetings. Interns will also be involved in administrative tasks related to event logistics and communication, ensuring that all materials are prepared and disseminated effectively. The role requires strong communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria to be considered for the internship: a degree or enrollment in a graduate program in Economics or Laws, experience in international trade or development policies, or proficiency in data management and analysis. Excellent drafting skills in English, strong media and communication abilities, and familiarity with programming languages or data analysis tools are also advantageous. The internship is open to individuals who are committed to contributing to the UN's mission and who possess the necessary skills to support the organization's work in trade policy.

Educational Background:
Applicants should have an academic background in fields relevant to the internship, such as economics, international trade economics, development economics, econometrics, data management, or law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law. Candidates who are currently enrolled in or have completed a graduate program (second university degree or equivalent) or are in the final year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level) are eligible to apply. A focus on economics is preferred, but related fields may also be considered.

Experience:
While work experience is not mandatory for applying to the United Nations Internship Programme, any relevant experience in international trade, development policies, or data analysis will be beneficial. Candidates with practical experience through internships, academic projects, or research related to economics or international law will be viewed favorably. The internship is designed to provide learning opportunities, so a willingness to learn and adapt is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application. Strong communication skills in English are crucial for drafting documents and engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and candidates are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns may be required to obtain appropriate visas and work authorization if they are not citizens or permanent residents of Thailand. The internship is expected to last between 2 to 6 months, with a flexible start date around May 15, 2026, or as agreed upon with the supervisor. Candidates should submit a complete online application, including a cover letter and personal history profile, detailing their qualifications and relevant experiences. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.