Intern - Investment Issues Section, Investment Trends and Issues Branch, DIAE

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 economic growth 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 field of investment and enterprise within the United Nations framework. Interns will work full-time, five days a week, and are expected to engage in various research and analytical tasks under the supervision of senior staff members. The internship will last for an initial period of two months, starting in September 2026, with the possibility of extension. Interns will be involved in collecting and analyzing data related to investment trends, multinational enterprises, and sustainable development, particularly focusing on gender, tourism, and climate change. They will also assist in organizing events, preparing materials for senior officials, and contributing to articles on investment and development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a range of responsibilities, including:

• Assisting in the collection and analysis of data on investment and multinational enterprises for ongoing research studies.
• Analyzing firm-level data and international project finance related to green foreign direct investment (FDI).
• Supporting research initiatives focused on sustainable development, particularly in areas such as gender, sustainable tourism, and climate change.
• Collecting and analyzing data on the activities of multinational enterprises (MNEs) to identify private equity and venture capital investors.
• Assisting in the organization of events for the World Investment Forum 2026, including preparing briefing and presentation materials for senior officials.
• Contributing to the preparation and production of articles on investment and development, with a focus on the digital economy and digital transformation.
• Attending meetings and assisting in reporting, writing briefs, and other content.
• Supporting the preparation of the Division’s and other institutional events related to COP3
• Assisting in other areas as requested by supervisors. Interns are also expected to adhere to UN rules and regulations, respect confidentiality, and maintain impartiality and independence in their work.

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, interns should possess computer literacy in standard software applications, demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, and have 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 to benefit the UN during the internship.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in or have completed a Master’s or Ph.D. program. Proof of enrollment or completion must be provided during the application process. The educational background should be closely related to the internship's focus on investment and enterprise.

Experience:
No prior work experience is required for this internship position. 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 an opportunity to gain practical experience in a professional setting.

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

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and all costs related to travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and living expenses must be covered by the intern. Interns must have a valid visa for in-person internships and are responsible for obtaining the necessary work authorization if they are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.