Intern - Economic Affairs (Trade Policy)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) is a regional development arm of the United Nations, established in 194

• Its mission is to promote inclusive and sustainable economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region. UN ESCAP operates in 62 member states and 9 associate members, focusing on various issues including trade, investment, and innovation. The organization employs a diverse workforce of professionals dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by the region's least developed countries and other nations with special needs.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Trade Policy and Facilitation Section (TPFS) of the Trade, Investment and Innovation Division at UN ESCAP is designed for candidates eager to gain practical experience in trade policy-related work. Interns will engage in a variety of tasks that contribute to the organization's mission of providing evidence-based training and policy guidance to governments and stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region. The internship is structured to enhance the intern's skills through hands-on experience, working closely with professional staff and experts in the field. Interns will be involved in research, analysis, and the preparation of materials that support trade policy initiatives, with a focus on sustainable and inclusive development. The position is available both remotely and onsite, allowing for flexibility in how the internship is conducted. Interns are expected to commit to a full-time schedule of five days a week, totaling 35 hours, and will be supervised by a staff member within the division.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a range of responsibilities that may vary based on their background and the specific needs of their supervisor. Key duties include: conducting policy research on contemporary trade issues, including digital trade and global value chains; drafting background documents and policy notes; preparing presentations and training materials; supporting data management tasks such as data collection and analysis; maintaining databases; editing and formatting papers; and assisting in the organization of events, both online and onsite. Interns will also be involved in logistical and administrative tasks related to these events, including communication and dissemination of information.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet at least one of the following qualifications: a degree or ongoing studies at the PhD or postgraduate level in Economics or Laws; experience in international trade or development policies; proficiency in data management and analysis; or strong drafting skills in English. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate good interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse environment. Experience in regulatory analysis or trade agreement analysis is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
Applicants should possess an academic background in economics, particularly in international trade economics or development economics. Other relevant fields include econometrics, data management, data analysis, and law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law. A graduate school program or completion of the final academic year of a first university degree program is required, with a preference for candidates studying or holding a degree in Economics.

Experience:
While work experience is not mandatory for applying to the United Nations Internship Programme, any relevant experience in international trade, development policies, or data analysis will be considered an asset. Candidates with practical experience in related fields may have an advantage during the selection process.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization if they are not citizens or permanent residents of Thailand. The internship is expected to last for six months, with a flexible start date around October 16, 2026, or as mutually agreed upon with the supervisor. Applicants must submit a complete online application, including a cover letter and personal history profile, detailing their qualifications and relevant experiences.