Intern - Economic Analysis and Policy Division

Job Posting Organization:
The Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) is a crucial entity within the United Nations that serves 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 promoting sustainable development through its various divisions, including the Economic Analysis and Policy Division (EAPD). The organization is dedicated to fostering international cooperation and providing analytical support to member states, with a focus on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). DESA operates globally, engaging with numerous countries to facilitate capacity development and policy implementation, and is staffed by a diverse team of professionals committed to advancing the UN's mission.

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 valuable experience in the field of economic and social development. The intern will work closely with the Economic Affairs Officer and will be involved in various research and policy analysis activities that align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The role emphasizes the importance of understanding global macroeconomic trends and the challenges faced by countries in special situations. Interns will have the opportunity to contribute to significant outputs related to sustainable development, including conducting quantitative data analysis, preparing literature reviews, and assisting in capacity-building activities. This position is ideal for individuals looking to gain practical experience in a dynamic international environment while contributing to meaningful projects that impact global development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range 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 and preparing documentation for various projects and reports.
• Performing quantitative data analysis, which involves identifying and collecting data from both primary and secondary sources, as well as visualizing data for presentations and reports.
• Assisting in the implementation of capacity-building activities, including communication efforts to engage stakeholders.
• Supporting the team with day-to-day activities, such as servicing requests for information, developing presentations, and updating databases.
• 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, candidates should have a field of study closely related to the internship. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. Familiarity with statistical or econometric software such as Stata, EViews, or R is also essential, along with experience in handling large datasets and descriptive statistics being desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be pursuing or have completed a relevant academic program. This includes being a student in the final year of a bachelor's degree, or enrolled in a master's or Ph.D. program. The educational background should be closely aligned with the responsibilities of the internship, particularly in fields related to economics, social sciences, or development studies. Proof of enrollment or completion of the relevant degree will be required during the application process.

Experience:
While prior professional work experience is not mandatory for this internship, candidates are expected to have relevant academic experience or coursework that demonstrates their understanding of economic and social development issues. Experience in research, data analysis, or project support in an academic or volunteer capacity will be beneficial and may enhance the candidate's application.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this internship, as it 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 advantage and may enhance the candidate's ability to contribute to the team's work.

Additional Notes:
This internship is designed to be full-time and remote, with a minimum duration of 4 months and a maximum of 6 months. The work modality can be adjusted based on the needs of the candidate. Interns are not financially compensated by the United Nations, and they are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. It is important for interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is located to obtain the necessary visa and work authorization. Candidates should be aware that the United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.