UNCTAD Internship in the Division on International Trade and Commodities

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is a part of the United Nations Secretariat and was established in 196

• Its mission is to promote the integration of developing countries into the world economy, ensuring that trade and development are mutually supportive. UNCTAD operates in over 190 countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to fostering sustainable development through trade, investment, and technology. The organization focuses on various areas including trade policy, investment, finance, technology, and sustainable development, aiming to create a more equitable global trading system.

Job Overview:
The UNCTAD 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 commodities. The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of five days per week, totaling 40 hours. Interns may choose to work in-person in Geneva or remotely, depending on their circumstances. The internship is set to begin on August 20, 2026, and will last for a period of six months. Interns will be supervised by the Senior Manager in charge of Strategic Partnerships and Fundraising, and they will be expected to support various fundraising and partnership initiatives, conduct research, and assist in the preparation of documents and presentations for donor engagements. This role is crucial for gaining insights into the operations of the UN and understanding the dynamics of international trade and development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the Division on International Trade and Commodities (DITC). Key duties 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 support the organization of meetings with donors, prepare meeting summaries, and maintain the Division's fundraising tracker and donor database. Additionally, interns are expected to perform other related duties as required and participate in training activities if available. They must adhere to the UN's rules and regulations, respect confidentiality, and maintain impartiality throughout their internship.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the UNCTAD internship, applicants must meet specific educational criteria. They should either be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent) or be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level). Interns should possess computer literacy in standard software applications and demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, along with a commitment to its ideals. The ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds is also essential. While no prior work experience is required, a field of study related to communications, political science, economics, or journalism is preferred.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a relevant educational background to be eligible for the internship. This includes being a student in the final year of a bachelor's degree program or having completed a bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. program in areas such as communications, journalism, economics, development, law, political science, or other social sciences. Proof of enrollment or completion of the required degree must be provided during the application process.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship. However, applicants should have a field of study that closely aligns with the internship's focus on international trade and commodities. The internship is designed to provide practical experience and enhance the educational journey of students or recent graduates, making it an ideal opportunity for those looking to enter the field of international development and trade.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English is mandatory for this internship position. This requirement ensures that interns can effectively communicate and engage with diverse stakeholders within the UN and beyond. While English is the primary language of communication, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in a multicultural environment like the UN.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and all costs related to travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. 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 UN does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process remains accessible to all qualified candidates.