Economic Affairs 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 dedicated to fostering sustainable development and economic growth. UNCTAD's mission is to support developing countries in their efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable economic growth through trade and investment.

Job Overview:
The Economic intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Affairs Intern position is designed to provide students or recent graduates with hands-on experience in the workings of the United Nations, specifically within the Productive Capacities and Sustainable Development (PCSD) Branch of the Division for Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes (ALDC). The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of five days a week, totaling 40 hours. Interns will have the option to work remotely or in-person, depending on their circumstances. The internship is expected to start on 12 October 2026 and will last for an initial period of three months. Interns will receive training and mentoring throughout their tenure, allowing them to develop skills relevant to international development and economic affairs. The role involves supporting the implementation of technical assistance programs aimed at enhancing productive capacities in developing countries, particularly in sectors such as Blue Economy and agricultural value chains. Interns will also assist in preparing development programs based on national assessments and contribute to project proposal development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities under the supervision of the Head of the PCSD Branch. Key duties include supporting the implementation of technical assistance initiatives, preparing Holistic Productive Capacities Development programs, collecting and synthesizing information for sectoral studies, and assisting in project proposal development. Interns will be expected to observe all applicable UN rules and regulations, provide copies of materials prepared during the internship, respect the impartiality of the UN, and refrain from any conduct that could adversely reflect on the organization. They will also need to ensure that all information obtained during the internship remains confidential and is not used for personal gain. Interns should be prepared to engage with diverse cultural backgrounds and maintain a professional demeanor throughout their internship.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet specific criteria to be eligible for the internship. They should be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program, or be in the final year of a bachelor's degree program. A degree in economics, development, law, political science, or other relevant social sciences is required. While no professional work experience is necessary, candidates should demonstrate a keen interest in the UN's work and possess strong computer literacy in standard software applications. Additionally, applicants should have the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs.

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 in a relevant field. Candidates must provide proof of their educational status at the time of application, including details such as the title of their degree and graduation date. A strong academic foundation in areas related to economics, development, law, or political science is essential for success in this role.

Experience:
This internship does not require prior professional work experience, making it an excellent opportunity for students or recent graduates to gain valuable insights into the workings of the United Nations. However, candidates should have a field of study closely related to the internship's focus, which will enhance their ability to contribute effectively to the team's objectives.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French, Arabic, and/or Portuguese is considered an asset, providing candidates with an advantage in the application process. The ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages can enhance collaboration within the diverse environment of the UN.

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 ensure they have a valid visa if they choose to work in person. For remote work, applicants must have access to a computer with the latest version of Microsoft Office 365 applications and adhere to basic IT security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security practices. 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 also ineligible to apply for professional-level positions within the UN for six months after completing their internship.