Economic Affairs Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division (MPFD) of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). ESCAP was established in 1947 and is one of the regional commissions of the United Nations, focusing on promoting economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region. The organization works with 53 member states and 9 associate members, providing a platform for dialogue and cooperation on various issues. The mission of ESCAP is to foster inclusive and sustainable development through regional cooperation and integration, addressing the diverse challenges faced by its member states. The division employs a team of experts and researchers dedicated to macroeconomic policy and financing for development, contributing to the overall mission of ESCAP.

Job Overview:
The Economic intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Affairs Intern position is designed for individuals who are eager to gain practical experience in the field of macroeconomic policy and financing for development. The intern will work under the guidance of the Section Chief and a responsible officer, contributing to the Division's research activities and supporting capacity development initiatives. The internship is unpaid and has a minimum duration of three months, extendable up to six months. Interns are expected to work five days a week, totaling 35 hours. The role offers a unique opportunity to engage in analytical studies and policy-oriented research, assisting in organizing workshops and meetings that address macroeconomic and financing issues in the Asia-Pacific region. Interns will have the chance to work on two main areas: macroeconomic policy and analysis, and financing for development, allowing them to develop a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in these fields.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will vary based on the needs of the Division but will typically include the following tasks: In the area of macroeconomic policy and analysis, the intern will conduct research and analysis on topics such as monetary policy, fiscal policy, tax cooperation, and public finance governance. They will identify risks to sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region and prepare summary tables, graphs, and other inputs for ESCAP publications. In the financing for development area, the intern will support technical consultations and workshops aimed at assisting government stakeholders in implementing sustainable finance strategies. This includes designing capacity-building materials, developing e-learning modules, and coordinating activities related to sustainable finance. The intern will also undertake research on sustainable financing instruments, support the implementation of demonstration projects, and document best practices related to financing for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, candidates must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program (second university degree or equivalent) or be enrolled in or have completed the final year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor’s level). Candidates should have studied relevant fields such as macroeconomics, international economics, development studies, political economy, or related areas. While computer literacy in standard software and statistical packages is desirable, it is not mandatory. Candidates should demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and possess the ability to interact with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. No prior work experience is required, but candidates should be able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a background in fields related to economics, finance, or development studies. This includes having completed coursework or training in macroeconomics, international economics, development economics, applied econometrics, or statistics. A Bachelor’s degree or higher is required, and candidates should be able to demonstrate their academic achievements and relevant skills through their educational background.

Experience:
No prior work experience is required for this internship position. However, candidates should possess skills and knowledge that can contribute to the work of the United Nations during their internship. This includes the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, manage multiple tasks, and meet tight deadlines. Experience in research, data analysis, or familiarity with statistical methods is considered an asset, but not a prerequisite for applying.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as Chinese or Russian, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and candidates are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Thailand may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. The cover note submitted with the application must include specific information such as the title of the degree program, graduation date, IT skills, areas of interest, and reasons for suitability for the internship. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further consideration. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.