Intern - Economic Analysis and Policy Division

Job Posting Organization:
The Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) is a crucial part of the United Nations, acting as a bridge between global policies and national actions in the economic, social, and environmental domains. Established to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, DESA plays a pivotal role in guiding countries towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their associated targets. The organization is involved in various initiatives and projects aimed at enhancing global cooperation and development, and it operates in multiple countries worldwide, engaging with diverse stakeholders to promote sustainable development practices.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Economic Analysis and Policy Division (EAPD) of DESA is designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience for individuals interested in economic and social development. The intern will be actively involved in conducting research that supports the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This role requires a strong emphasis on data analysis and the preparation of research outputs that contribute to the understanding of global macroeconomic trends and sustainable development issues. The intern will work closely with the Economic Affairs Officer and will be expected to assist in various projects, including communication efforts and stakeholder engagement. This position is ideal for candidates who are passionate about sustainable development and eager to contribute to meaningful research and policy analysis.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the objectives of the Economic Analysis and Policy Division. Key duties include:

• Conducting background research and literature reviews to inform outputs related to sustainable development.
• Drafting inputs for reports and presentations on economic and social development issues.
• Performing quantitative data analysis, which involves identifying and collecting data from both primary and secondary sources, as well as visualizing data for better comprehension.
• Assisting in the implementation of capacity-building activities, which may include communication strategies and stakeholder engagement.
• Supporting the team with day-to-day activities, such as servicing requests for information, updating databases, and preparing presentations for meetings.
• Collaborating with team members to ensure the smooth execution of projects and initiatives.

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); (b) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required for the UN Internship Programme, a field of study closely related to the internship is essential. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. Additionally, familiarity with statistical or econometric software such as Stata, EViews, or R is necessary, along with experience in handling large-scale datasets and descriptive statistics.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be pursuing or have completed a degree in a field relevant to economic and social development, such as economics, social sciences, public policy, or a related discipline. The internship is open to students in their final year of undergraduate studies, as well as those enrolled in or having completed graduate programs (Master’s or Ph.D.). Proof of enrollment or completion of the relevant academic program must be provided during the application process.

Experience:
While prior professional experience is not a prerequisite for this internship, candidates should possess a strong academic background in relevant fields. Experience in research, data analysis, or project support within an academic or professional setting is advantageous. Familiarity with sustainable development issues and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment will enhance a candidate's suitability for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and may provide a competitive advantage in the selection process.

Additional Notes:
This internship is designed to be in-person and full-time, requiring a commitment of 35 hours per week. The expected duration of the internship is four months, although this can be adjusted based on the successful candidate's requests. It is important to note that interns are not financially compensated by the United Nations, and all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Additionally, interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is located may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.