Economic Affairs Intern

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 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 policy advice to member states, with a focus on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). DESA operates globally, engaging with numerous countries to address pressing development challenges and promote inclusive economic growth. The division employs a diverse team of professionals who work collaboratively to analyze macroeconomic trends and provide recommendations to enhance development outcomes.

Job Overview:
The Economic intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Affairs Intern will be an integral part of the Economic Analysis and Policy Division (EAPD) within DESA, contributing to 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, assisting in the analysis of global economic trends and policy issues. This role is designed for individuals who are passionate about economic research and sustainable development, providing an opportunity to work closely with experienced professionals in the field. The intern will also support the organization of policy seminars and expert group meetings, gaining valuable insights into the workings of international economic policy-making. This internship is an excellent opportunity for students or recent graduates to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting while contributing to the UN's mission of promoting sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include conducting background research and literature reviews on macroeconomic developments and policies, performing quantitative data analysis, and assisting in the management of economic models. Specific tasks may involve identifying and collecting macroeconomic data from various sources, visualizing data, and conducting basic economic modeling. The intern will also help organize policy seminars or expert group meetings related to the WESP 2027 report, preparing background materials, providing logistical support, and drafting summary reports of the meetings. Additionally, the intern will support the team in daily activities, which may include servicing information requests, developing presentations, and updating databases. A key responsibility will be to prepare a presentation on the findings and outcomes of the internship for the branch's staff, showcasing the intern's contributions and learning experiences.

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 essential. 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 required, along with experience in handling large datasets and descriptive statistics being desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates should 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. The educational background should be relevant to the internship, ideally in economics, social sciences, or a related field that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. Proof of enrollment or completion of the relevant degree will be required during the application process.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is necessary for this internship, candidates should possess relevant academic experience or coursework that demonstrates their understanding of macroeconomic principles and research methodologies. Experience in conducting research, data analysis, or working with economic models will be advantageous and may enhance the candidate's application.

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 profile.

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 United States 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 with the UN prior to accepting the internship offer. The UN does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.