UNCTAD Internship in the Division on International Trade and Commodities

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. UNCTAD aims to support developing nations in their efforts to achieve sustainable development through trade, investment, and technology. The organization operates in over 190 countries and employs a diverse workforce of approximately 1,000 staff members, including experts in various fields related to trade and development.

Job Overview:
The UNCTAD internship program is designed to provide students and recent graduates with an opportunity to gain practical experience in the field of international trade and development. Interns will work full-time, five days a week, and are expected to contribute to various projects within the Trade in Services Section of the Division on International Trade and Commodities (DITC). The internship is unpaid, and all costs related to travel, accommodation, and living expenses must be covered by the intern. Interns will engage in research and analysis of international trade trends, assist in drafting reports and communications, support digital advocacy efforts, and help organize events and workshops. The internship is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to enhance their educational experience and gain insight into the workings of the United Nations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Conducting research and analysis on international trade trends, policies, and emerging issues, particularly focusing on South-South trade cooperation.
• Assisting in the drafting, editing, and formatting of reports, official communications, and presentations for senior management and external stakeholders.
• Supporting digital communications efforts by creating engaging content for social media and institutional websites.
• Helping to organize meetings, webinars, and workshops, including preparing necessary background documents.
• Maintaining and organizing internal databases and managing essential data files.
• Performing other related duties and administrative tasks as assigned by the supervisor. Interns are expected to adhere to the rules and regulations of the UN and respect the confidentiality of information obtained during their internship.

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); or (b) Be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent). Additionally, candidates should be computer literate in standard software applications, have a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, and demonstrate the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. No prior professional work experience is required, but a field of study related to economics, international trade, statistics, or international relations is necessary.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in economics, international trade, statistics, international relations, or a related field. They should either be in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor's or equivalent), or have completed a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. program. Proof of enrollment or completion of the degree will be required during the application process.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. The focus is on providing students and recent graduates with practical exposure to the workings of the United Nations and its various functions.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of additional languages such as Arabic, French, Spanish, or other UN languages is considered an advantage, with Portuguese also being beneficial.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid and requires interns to cover all associated costs, including travel, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns must have a valid visa for in-person internships. The expected duration of the internship is from October 1, 2026, to March 31, 202

• Candidates will be assessed based on their Personal 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. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. It is important to note that there is no expectation of employment within the UN after the internship, and interns are not eligible to apply for professional positions within the UN for six months following the end of their internship.