Internship in UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

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 through trade and investment. UNCTAD's mission is to support developing countries in their efforts to achieve economic growth and sustainable development through trade and investment policies that are inclusive and equitable.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is primarily located within the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and is designed to provide students or recent graduates with practical experience in the field of international trade and development. The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of five days per week, totaling 40 hours. Interns will have the option to work either in-person in Geneva or remotely. The internship is expected to commence on August 20, 2026, and will last for a duration of six months. Interns will be supervised by the Senior Manager in charge of Strategic Partnerships and Fundraising, and they will be involved in various tasks related to fundraising and partnerships, including research, analysis, and the preparation of documents for donor engagement. Interns are expected to adhere to the rules and regulations of the UN and respect the confidentiality of information they may encounter during their internship.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will support the fundraising and partnerships work of the Division on International Trade and Commodities (DITC). Their responsibilities will include assisting in the implementation of the DITC fundraising strategy, conducting research on donor priorities and funding trends, monitoring potential donors, and contributing to the preparation of concept notes and project proposals. Interns will also assist in organizing meetings with donors, preparing meeting summaries, and maintaining the Division's fundraising tracker and donor database. Additionally, interns will perform other related duties as required and undertake training activities if available. They are expected to observe all applicable rules and regulations of the UN and provide the organization with copies of all materials they prepare during the internship. Interns must respect the impartiality of the UN and refrain from communicating any confidential information to external parties.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent) or be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level). Interns should be computer literate in standard software applications and have a keen interest in the work of the United Nations. They should demonstrate the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and possess a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. A field of study related to communications, political science, economics, or journalism is preferred, but no prior work experience is required for this internship.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor's or equivalent), or they must have completed a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. program. The educational background should be in areas such as communications, journalism, economics, development, law, political science, or other relevant social sciences. Proof of enrollment or completion of the required educational program must be provided with the application.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship. However, applicants should have a field of study that closely relates to the internship they are applying for. The internship is designed to provide practical experience to students or recent graduates, enhancing their educational experience and helping them gain insights into the workings of the United Nations.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English is required for this position. This proficiency is essential for effective communication and engagement with diverse stakeholders within the UN and its partners.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and all costs related to travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution. 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. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training.