Intern - Office of the Director, UNCTAD

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is a part of the United Nations that focuses on trade, investment, and development issues. Established in 1964, UNCTAD aims to promote the integration of developing countries into the world economy. The organization operates in over 190 countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to fostering sustainable development and economic growth. UNCTAD's mission is to support developing countries in their efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable development through trade and investment.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is designed to provide students or recent graduates with practical experience in the workings of the United Nations, specifically within the Office of the Director of the Division on Investment and Enterprise at UNCTAD. Interns are expected to work full-time, five days a week, for a duration of six months, starting as soon as possible. The internship is unpaid and requires the intern to cover all associated costs, including travel, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns will receive training and mentoring throughout their tenure, allowing them to gain valuable insights into the UN's operations and the specific functions of the division. The role involves assisting in the organization of significant events such as the 2026 World Investment Forum, conducting background research, maintaining databases, and preparing analytical studies related to investment and enterprise for development. Interns will also be expected to adhere to the UN's regulations and maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: assisting in the organization of the 2026 World Investment Forum and other related meetings; preparing pre- and post-meeting documentation; liaising with participants; consolidating and updating databases of stakeholders; conducting background research for drafting speeches, articles, and formal correspondence; maintaining databases and developing user surveys; preparing first drafts of analytical studies on investment and enterprise issues; monitoring and assessing the implementation of programs and projects; and performing other duties as required. Interns must observe all applicable rules and regulations of the UN and provide copies of all materials prepared during their internship. They are also expected to respect the impartiality and independence of the UN and refrain from any conduct that could adversely reflect on the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet specific criteria to be eligible for the internship. They should be enrolled in or have completed a graduate 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 demonstrate computer literacy in standard software applications, a keen interest in the UN's work, and the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. No prior work experience is required, but a field of study related to the internship, such as economics, international economics, development, public policy, or international relations, is necessary. Applicants must also provide proof of their eligibility at the time of application.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship 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 within the last 12 months. Fields of study that are closely related to the internship, such as economics, international economics, development, public policy, or international relations, are preferred. Applicants must also be able to provide an official certificate confirming their educational status at a later stage of the application process.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, applicants should have relevant training, education, or coursework that would benefit the UN during their internship. The focus is on providing students or recent graduates with exposure to the UN's operations and enhancing their educational experience through practical involvement in the organization's work.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian, is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's application. The ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages is beneficial in the diverse environment of the United Nations.

Additional Notes:
The internship is for a duration of six months, starting as soon as possible. Candidates will be assessed based on their Personnel History Profiles (PHP), and individual interviews may be conducted for further evaluation. A complete online application, including a Cover Note and Personal History Profile, is required, and incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The Cover Note must detail the title of the degree, graduation date, IT skills, and reasons for being the best candidate for the internship. It is important to note that this internship is unpaid, and all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern. Additionally, interns are not eligible for employment within the UN for six months following the end of their internship, and there is no expectation of employment after the internship concludes.