Internship in the Productive Capacities and Sustainable Development Branch

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 sustainable development through trade and investment, and it plays a crucial role in addressing global economic challenges.

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 tentatively on April 20, 202

• The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for 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 engage in data collection, quantitative analysis, and the creation of data visualization products, which are essential for reports and presentations. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the UN's operations and contribute to meaningful projects that impact sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will carry out a variety of 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) and assisting in finalizing the SIDS Satellite PCI.
• Analyzing correlations between the SIDS Satellite PCI and the Core PCI.
• Assisting in the quantitative analysis for the National Productive Capacities Gap Assessments (NPCGA) for countries like the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.
• Contributing to the data collection process for existing PCI categories and newly proposed dimensions, in line with recommendations from the High-Level Advisory Board (HLAB) and the Statistical and Technical Advisory Group (STAG).
• Developing appropriate data collection mechanisms and generating data visualization products, including infographics and maps, for use in reports and presentations.
• Observing all applicable UN rules and regulations, providing copies of materials prepared during the internship, and respecting the confidentiality and impartiality required by the UN.
• Engaging in professional conduct that reflects positively on the UN and refraining from any activities that conflict with the UN's objectives.

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, interns should possess programming skills in R, proficiency in standard software applications such as Excel and Word, and a demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations. They must also show a commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter and the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. 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 the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in or have completed a Master's or Ph.D. programme. The educational background should be relevant to the internship, particularly in areas such as statistics, economics, mathematics, or other disciplines that involve substantial quantitative analysis. Proof of enrollment or completion of the required educational qualifications must be provided during the application process.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not a prerequisite for this internship, applicants should have a strong academic background in a relevant field. The internship is primarily aimed at students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience and enhance their educational journey through exposure to the workings of the United Nations. Therefore, relevant academic coursework or projects that demonstrate the applicant's capabilities in data analysis and research will be beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. This requirement ensures that interns can effectively communicate and engage with colleagues and stakeholders within the UN framework. While additional language skills may be advantageous, English proficiency is essential for fulfilling the internship responsibilities and participating in discussions and presentations.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and all costs related to travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, it is emphasized that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.