Intern - Economic Affairs (Trade Policy)

Intern - Economic Affairs (Trade Policy)

UN Commissions

July 4, 2026August 14, 2026BangkokThailand
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) is a regional development arm of the United Nations, established in 194
  • It aims to promote economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region. UN ESCAP works with 62 member states and 9 associate members, focusing on sustainable development, trade, investment, and innovation. The organization employs a diverse workforce of professionals dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by the region's least developed countries and other nations with special needs.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position in the Trade Policy and Facilitation Section (TPFS) of the Trade, Investment and Innovation Division at UN ESCAP is designed for candidates eager to gain practical experience in trade policy work. Interns will engage in a variety of tasks that contribute to the organization's mission of providing evidence-based training and policy guidance to governments and stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region. The internship is structured to enhance the intern's skills through hands-on experience, allowing them to work closely with professional staff and experts in the field. Interns will be involved in research, analysis, and the development of training materials, as well as supporting the organization of regional dialogues and meetings. This position is available in both remote and onsite formats, providing flexibility for candidates.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a range of responsibilities that may vary based on their academic background and the specific needs of their supervisor. Key duties include contributing to policy research on contemporary trade issues, conducting literature reviews, drafting background documents and policy notes, preparing presentations and training materials, and supporting data management tasks. Interns will also assist in organizing events such as seminars and training sessions, handling administrative and logistical tasks, and ensuring effective communication and dissemination of information. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria: a degree or ongoing studies at the PhD or postgraduate level in Economics or Laws; experience in international trade or development policies; proficiency in data management and analysis; or strong drafting and communication skills in English. The internship is open to individuals who are committed to a full-time, six-month engagement, either remotely or onsite, and who possess relevant academic or practical experience in the field.

Educational Background:
Applicants should have an academic background in economics, particularly in international trade economics or development economics. Other acceptable fields include econometrics, data management, data analysis, and law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law. Candidates must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program or the final year of a bachelor's degree program.

Experience:
While work experience is not mandatory for applying to the United Nations Internship Programme, candidates with relevant experience in international trade, development policies, or data analysis will be prioritized. Experience in regulatory analysis or trade agreement analysis is also beneficial, as is familiarity with programming languages and data management tools such as Excel, R, Python, or SQL.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. The internship is expected to last for six months, with a commitment to full-time work (35 hours per week). Interns may be required to obtain appropriate visas and work authorization if they are not citizens or permanent residents of Thailand. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates should be cautious of any fraudulent requests for payment.
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