Intern - Economic Analysis and Policy Division

Job Posting Organization:
The Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) is a crucial component 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 vital role in promoting sustainable development through its various divisions, including the Economic Analysis and Policy Division (EAPD). The organization is committed to fostering international cooperation and providing a platform for dialogue among member states. DESA operates globally, engaging with numerous countries to address pressing development challenges and facilitate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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 support in the production of the UN’s flagship publication, the World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP). The intern will engage in both quantitative and qualitative research on macroeconomic topics and policy issues, contributing to the understanding of global economic trends and their implications for sustainable development. This role is integral to the preparation of the WESP2027 report, where the intern will assist in organizing policy seminars and expert group meetings, thereby gaining hands-on experience in the field of economic analysis and policy formulation. The intern will work closely with an Economic Affairs Officer and will be involved in various research activities, enhancing their knowledge and skills in economic modeling and data analysis.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: conducting background research and literature reviews on current macroeconomic developments and policies; performing quantitative data analysis by identifying and collecting macroeconomic data from various sources; visualizing data and conducting basic economic modeling; assisting in the updating and improvement of economic models managed by the branch; organizing policy seminars or expert group meetings for the WESP2027 report, which includes preparing background materials and providing logistical support; drafting summary reports of meetings; supporting the team in daily activities, such as servicing information requests and developing presentations; and preparing a presentation on the findings and outcomes of the internship for the branch’s staff.

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 higher); or 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 necessary. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, as well as possess working knowledge of statistical/econometric software such as Stata, Eviews, or R. Experience with large-scale datasets and descriptive statistics is desirable.

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, and an official certificate will be required at a later stage. This educational background ensures that interns have the necessary theoretical foundation to engage in economic analysis and policy research effectively.

Experience:
While no prior professional work experience is required, applicants should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. This may include research projects, coursework in economics, public policy, or related fields that demonstrate the candidate's ability to engage with macroeconomic topics and policy analysis.

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 advantage and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is located may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is essential for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. Additionally, it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.