Internship at the United Nations Conference for Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Internship at the United Nations Conference for Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

June 13, 2026June 25, 2026GenevaSwitzerland
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) was established in 1964 and is a permanent intergovernmental body that aims to promote the integration of developing countries into the world economy. UNCTAD's mission is to support developing countries in their efforts to achieve sustainable development through trade, investment, and technology. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a diverse workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. UNCTAD focuses on issues such as trade, finance, technology, investment, and sustainable development, and it plays a crucial role in shaping global economic policies.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is designed to provide students or recent graduates with exposure to the work of the United Nations, specifically within the UNCTAD. Interns are expected to work full-time, either in-person or remotely, for a duration of four months starting in September 202
  • The role involves assisting in research and policy analysis on various trade, technology, and development issues, particularly those related to trade facilitation, value chains, and e-commerce. Interns will also contribute to the preparation of briefing notes and speeches for the Director, support the organization of events, and provide logistical assistance for technical assistance activities. This internship is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic international organization and to develop skills in research, communication, and project management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks under the guidance of the Chief of the Director's Office. Key responsibilities include:
  • Conducting research and policy analysis on trade, technology, and development issues, focusing on trade facilitation, value chains, and e-commerce.
  • Assisting in the preparation of briefing notes and speeches for the Director, enhancing communication documents for the Division.
  • Researching and collecting relevant documents for the Division's evaluation, classifying them according to evaluation requirements for the period from 2021 to 202
  • Supporting the preparation of upcoming events and communication exercises for the Director.
  • Providing substantive and logistical support for technical assistance activities and capacity-building efforts.
  • Attending and summarizing conferences, webinars, and meetings related to the Division's work.
  • Ensuring compliance with UN rules and regulations during the internship.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) Be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or (b) Be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent). Additionally, interns should be computer literate in standard software applications, demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, and possess the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. No prior work experience is required, but a relevant field of study is necessary.

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. program. Proof of enrollment or completion must be provided with the application. The educational background should be closely related to the internship's focus areas, such as international relations, economics, or development studies.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship. However, candidates should have relevant academic training or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. The focus is on providing students or recent graduates with practical experience in a UN setting, enhancing their educational journey.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and all costs related to travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern. Interns must have a valid visa if they are participating in-person. The internship does not guarantee employment within the UN after its completion, and interns are not eligible to apply for professional positions within the UN for six months following the internship. Candidates will be assessed based on their Personal History Profiles (PHP), and only successful candidates will be contacted. The application must include a cover note detailing the title of the degree, graduation date, IT skills, and reasons for being the best candidate for the internship.
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