UNCTAD Internship in the Division on International Trade and Commodities

UNCTAD Internship in the Division on International Trade and Commodities

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

July 24, 2026September 7, 2026GenevaSwitzerland
Job Description
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, with a focus on trade, investment, and sustainable development. UNCTAD operates in over 190 countries and has a diverse workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. The organization aims to provide a platform for dialogue and policy-making among member states, fostering economic growth and development through research, analysis, and capacity-building initiatives.

Job Overview:
The UNCTAD internship-programme" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Internship Programme is designed to provide students and recent graduates with an opportunity to gain practical experience in the field of international trade and commodities. Interns will work full-time, five days a week, for a duration of six months, starting from October 1, 202
  • The internship can be conducted either in-person in Geneva or remotely, depending on the intern's preference. Interns will be expected to engage in various tasks that contribute to the Division on International Trade and Commodities (DITC), specifically within the Competition and Consumer Policies Branch. This role will involve conducting legal and economic research, assisting in drafting background papers for intergovernmental meetings, preparing summary reports, and contributing to the organization of webinars and technical cooperation activities. Interns will receive training and mentoring throughout their internship, ensuring they gain valuable insights and skills relevant to their future careers.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a range of duties, including but not limited to: conducting legal and economic research on competition and consumer protection laws and policies, analyzing information, and presenting findings for internal review. They will assist in drafting background papers for intergovernmental meetings and prepare presentation materials for various events. Interns will attend meetings and prepare summary reports, contribute to organizing webinars and technical cooperation activities, and assist in implementing technical cooperation programs. Additionally, they will perform other related duties as required, while adhering to the rules and regulations of the UN and maintaining confidentiality regarding sensitive information.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet specific qualifications to be considered for the internship. They should 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 be computer literate in standard software applications and demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, along with a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. Furthermore, they should possess the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, showing tolerance for differing opinions. A background in law, economics, or related fields is preferred, and no prior work experience is required for this internship.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a relevant educational background, which 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 fields such as economics, development, law, political science, or other social sciences deemed appropriate. Proof of enrollment or completion of the required educational qualifications 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 closely related to the internship they are applying for. The internship is primarily aimed at students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in the UN environment and enhance their educational experience.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is essential for conducting research, drafting documents, and participating in meetings effectively. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for covering their own costs related to travel, visa, accommodation, health insurance, and other living expenses during the internship period. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The UN does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.
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