Trade Facilitation Intern

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 of approximately 1,000 staff members. UNCTAD's mission is to support developing countries in their efforts to achieve sustainable development through trade and investment, providing research, policy analysis, and technical assistance.

Job Overview:
The Trade Facilitation Intern position is designed to provide students or recent graduates with practical experience in the field of trade facilitation, customs, and supply chain management. The intern will work within the Division of Technology and Logistics (DTL) at UNCTAD, focusing on research and technical assistance activities that aim to improve cross-border clearance efficiency and promote trade growth and sustainability, particularly in developing countries. The internship is full-time and unpaid, requiring a commitment of five days per week (40 hours). Interns will receive training and mentoring throughout their internship, which is expected to start in September 2026 and last for an initial period of three months, with the possibility of extension for an additional three months. The intern will assist in various tasks, including economic research, statistical analysis, and the preparation of training materials for National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFCs).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks under the guidance of supervisors, including: participation in online meetings with the supervisor and team; assisting in economic, econometric, and statistical research and analysis on trade facilitation, customs, and supply chains; preparing and standardizing training materials for the UNCTAD Empowerment programme for NTFCs; creating digital and paper-based promotional materials; organizing in-person and online workshops; drafting reports and documents; and providing substantive support for project management. The intern will also be expected to adhere to UN rules and regulations, respect confidentiality, and maintain impartiality throughout their internship.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent). Additionally, interns should be computer literate in standard software applications, demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, and possess the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. No prior work experience is required, but a relevant field of study is necessary.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in their final year of a bachelor's degree, or enrolled in or have completed a master's or Ph.D. programme. Proof of enrollment or completion must be provided with the application. The educational background should be closely related to the internship's focus on trade facilitation, customs, or supply chain management.

Experience:
No prior work experience is required for this internship. However, candidates should have relevant academic training or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. The focus is on providing students or recent graduates with practical experience rather than requiring extensive professional experience.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for the internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an advantage, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and all costs related to travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern. Interns must have a valid visa for in-person internships. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates should be aware that there is no expectation of employment following the internship. Interns are not eligible to apply for professional positions within the UN for six months after their internship ends. Candidates related to UN staff members may apply, provided they are not assigned to the same work unit or under direct supervision of the staff member.