Intern - Economic Affairs (Trade Policy)

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 for the Asia-Pacific region. Established in 1947, UN ESCAP aims to promote economic and social development through regional cooperation and integration. The organization operates in 62 member states and 9 associate members, focusing on sustainable development, trade, investment, and innovation. UN ESCAP employs a diverse workforce of professionals dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in the least developed countries.

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 of UN ESCAP offers a unique opportunity for candidates to gain hands-on experience in trade policy-related work. Interns will engage in various activities that contribute to the organization's mission of providing evidence-based training and policy guidance to governments and stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region. The internship is designed to enhance the intern's skills through practical experience, working closely with professional staff and experts in the field. Interns will be involved in research, analysis, and the development of training materials, as well as supporting the organization of regional dialogues and events. This position is available both remotely and onsite, allowing for flexibility in how the internship is conducted. The expected duration of the internship is between 2 to 6 months, with a full-time commitment of 35 hours per week.

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: conducting policy research on contemporary trade issues, including digital trade, e-commerce, and global value chains; drafting background documents and policy notes; preparing presentations and training materials; supporting data management tasks such as data collection and analysis; maintaining databases; editing and formatting papers; and assisting in organizing online or onsite events, including seminars and training sessions. 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 and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet at least one of the following qualifications: a degree or enrollment in a graduate program in Economics, International Trade Economics, Development Economics, or law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law; experience in international trade or development policies; proficiency in data management and analysis; and strong drafting skills in English. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate good interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment. Familiarity with software tools for data analysis and presentation is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
Applicants should possess an academic background in relevant fields such as economics, international trade, development economics, or international law. A graduate degree or enrollment in a graduate program is preferred, but candidates who have completed their undergraduate studies may also apply. Relevant coursework in data analysis, econometrics, and international laws will be beneficial for candidates seeking this internship.

Experience:
While work experience is not mandatory for applying to the United Nations Internship Programme, candidates with relevant experience in international trade, development policies, or data analysis will be given priority. Experience in regulatory analysis or trade agreement analysis is also advantageous. Interns should be prepared to demonstrate how their academic and practical experiences align with the responsibilities of the internship.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is a requirement for this internship. Knowledge of additional official UN languages, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. The internship can be conducted remotely, but candidates may be required to undertake the internship onsite depending on visa and travel constraints. Interns are expected to commit to a full-time schedule of 35 hours per week for the duration of the internship, which can range from 2 to 6 months. Candidates should clearly outline their planned internship period and mode in their application, along with relevant skills and experiences.