Internship in Economic Cooperation and Trade Division

Job Posting Organization:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is located within the Economic Cooperation and Trade Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), which was established to promote economic integration and cooperation among its member states. The UNECE focuses on various areas including trade, transport, environment, and sustainable development, with a mission to enhance the economic well-being of the region. The organization operates in 56 member countries across Europe, North America, and Asia, employing a diverse workforce dedicated to fostering economic cooperation and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The internship is designed to provide support to the Cooperation and Partnerships Section within the Economic Cooperation and Trade Division. The intern will engage in activities related to the United Nations Development Account project aimed at leveraging trade for a just and green transition in Central Asia, Southern Caucasus, and Western Balkans. The role involves contributing to the development and implementation of analytical studies that assess the socio-economic needs of target countries, particularly focusing on sustainable and digital trade facilitation. The intern will also assist in creating country-specific recommendations to help these nations transition towards a more gender-responsive green economy. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international trade and economic cooperation while working within a prestigious global organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: assisting in the development and implementation of analytical studies related to sustainable and digital trade facilitation in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan; conducting desk research and data collection; contributing to interviews with trade stakeholders; developing country-specific policy recommendations; preparing presentations, briefing notes, and communication materials; providing research assistance on digital connectivity and trade facilitation; and offering general communications and outreach support, including managing social media platforms. The intern may also be required to perform other related duties as necessary, ensuring alignment with the outlined tasks.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications at the time of application: enrollment in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); enrollment in the final academic year of a first university degree program (Bachelor's level or equivalent); or possession of a university degree as defined above. Additional prerequisites include an academic background in international relations, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, economics, or related fields, a demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations, and a commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. Proficiency in standard software applications and the ability to engage with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds are also essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess a university degree or be enrolled in a graduate program or the final year of their undergraduate studies. A focus on international relations, economics, or related fields is preferred, as this background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of trade and economic cooperation.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for participation in the Internship Programme. However, experience in research, policy analysis, communication, or event organization related to trade, transport, sustainability, or digitalization is considered desirable and may enhance an applicant's profile.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. A working knowledge of French is also necessary, while proficiency in Russian is desirable, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the regions involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, meaning that all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, 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. It is crucial for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. Additionally, it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.