Intern - Economic Affairs

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations, addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN operates in various countries around the world, with its headquarters located in New York City. The organization employs thousands of individuals across diverse fields, including economic and social affairs, human rights, and humanitarian assistance, working collaboratively to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is situated within the International Tax and Development Cooperation Branch (ITDCB) of the Financing for Sustainable Development Office (FSDO) at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. This role is designed to provide interns with hands-on experience in the field of economic affairs, particularly focusing on international tax cooperation and domestic resource mobilization. Interns will engage in various activities that support the capacity development program aimed at enhancing the capabilities of authorities in developing countries. The internship is expected to last between two to six months, starting in July 2026, with a full-time commitment of 35 hours per week. Interns are encouraged to apply if they are interested in a summer internship, and the position may allow for adjustments based on the successful candidate's requests.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a wide range of tasks that contribute to the work of the ITDCB/FSDO. These duties include assisting in the drafting, reviewing, and preparation of various documents such as papers, presentations, studies, and reports. Interns will attend and summarize conferences and meetings, including virtual formats, and provide support during meetings organized by FSDO. They will conduct research and analysis on tax-related issues, including double tax treaties, transfer pricing, and tax base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS). Additionally, interns will assist in collecting data for analyses and reporting on workshops, training sessions, and meetings, summarizing quantitative and qualitative data for reports. They will also support communications and outreach strategies for ITDCB, prepare briefing notes and talking points for senior UN officials, and follow relevant intergovernmental meetings to draft summaries of outcomes. Other ad hoc assignments may also be assigned as needed.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet specific criteria set by the United Nations Internship Programme. Candidates must 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 degree or equivalent). Additionally, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications. While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Candidates must provide proof of their academic status and may need to submit an official certificate later in the application process.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or they must have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. program. This educational background should be relevant to the internship's focus on economic affairs, international tax, or related fields. The UN seeks individuals who are academically prepared to engage in the responsibilities outlined in the internship description.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the duties of the position. This could include studies in economics, international relations, public policy, or similar fields that provide a foundation for understanding the complexities of economic affairs and development cooperation.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for the 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 asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment. However, there may be flexibility in work arrangements, allowing for remote, hybrid, or part-time options depending on the successful candidate's situation. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is based may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for candidates to discuss their visa requirements prior to accepting an internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.