Intern - Economic Affairs

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), which was established to promote sustainable development and social progress globally. The organization focuses on various economic and social issues, providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration among member states. UNDESA operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing global challenges.

Job Overview:
The internship position is designed for individuals interested in gaining practical experience in economic affairs within the United Nations framework. Interns will work full-time, typically 35 hours per week, under the supervision of a staff member in the Financing for Sustainable Development Office (FSDO). The internship is primarily focused on supporting research and analysis related to financing for development, including areas such as sustainable private finance, domestic public resources, and international development cooperation. Interns will have the opportunity to engage in various tasks, including conducting research, preparing background papers, and assisting in logistical arrangements for conferences. The position may also offer flexibility in terms of remote work or part-time arrangements, depending on the needs of the successful candidate.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a range of duties, including but not limited to: assisting in the work of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Financing for Development, conducting research and preparing background papers on financing for sustainable development issues, attending and summarizing conferences and meetings, providing logistical and administrative support during conferences, and compiling statistics and conducting data analysis. Interns are expected to collaborate with colleagues and contribute to the overall goals of the department, demonstrating effective communication and teamwork skills throughout their internship.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet specific criteria, including being enrolled in or having completed a graduate program (Master’s degree or equivalent) or being in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level). Additionally, applicants should be computer literate in standard software applications and have a field of study related to economics or an economics-related field. While professional work experience is not required, a relevant academic background is essential. Applicants must also demonstrate good knowledge of software applications such as MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, and possess the ability to draft news articles or social media posts, as well as design surveys and polls.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program (Master’s degree or equivalent) or be in the final year of a first university degree program (bachelor’s level or equivalent). A field of study in economics or a related discipline is desirable, and applicants should provide proof of their academic status with their application.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, applicants should have a strong academic background in a field related to economics or sustainable development. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in the field of economic affairs within the United Nations framework.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. Knowledge of French, which is one of the working languages of the United Nations, is considered an asset. Proficiency in additional official UN languages is also beneficial and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. The expected duration of the internship is 3-6 months, with the possibility of extension based on departmental needs. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.