Economic Affairs Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) is a key component of the United Nations, established to facilitate the integration of global policies in economic, social, and environmental spheres with national actions. DESA plays a crucial role in guiding the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 associated targets adopted by the UN General Assembly on September 25, 201

• The organization is dedicated to promoting sustainable development through research, policy analysis, and capacity development projects in developing countries. It operates globally, engaging with various stakeholders to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.

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. This internship is designed to provide hands-on experience in research and policy analysis related to global macroeconomic trends and sustainable development issues. The intern will work closely with the Economic Affairs Officer and will be involved in conducting research for outputs on economic and social development. The role emphasizes the importance of the 2030 Agenda, requiring the intern to prepare background research, conduct quantitative data analysis, and assist in capacity-building activities. The intern will also support the team in daily tasks, including information requests, presentation development, and database management, thereby gaining valuable insights into the workings of the UN and its commitment to sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks that contribute to the objectives of the Economic Analysis and Policy Division. Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting background research and literature reviews to support the preparation of outputs related to sustainable development.
• Drafting inputs for reports and presentations on issues such as sustained, inclusive, and sustainable growth.
• Performing quantitative data analysis, which involves identifying and collecting data from both primary and secondary sources, as well as visualizing data for better understanding.
• Assisting in the implementation of capacity-building activities, including communication strategies and stakeholder engagement.
• Supporting the team with day-to-day activities, such as servicing requests for information, developing presentations, and updating databases.
• Collaborating with team members to ensure effective communication and dissemination of research findings.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) 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. Additionally, a working knowledge of statistical/econometric software such as Stata, EViews, or R is required, along with experience in using large-scale datasets and descriptive statistics.

Educational Background:
Candidates must 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. Proof of enrollment or completion must be provided with the application, and an official certificate will be required at a later stage. The educational background should ideally be in fields related to economics, social sciences, or other relevant disciplines that align with the objectives of the internship.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required, applicants should have relevant academic experience or coursework that demonstrates their understanding of economic and social development issues. Familiarity with research methodologies and data analysis techniques is highly desirable, as the intern will be expected to engage in research activities and contribute to the division's outputs.

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 application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is designed to be in-person and full-time, requiring a commitment of 35 hours per week, although adjustments can be made based on the successful candidate's requests. The expected duration of the internship is four months. It is important to note that interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.