Economic 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 position at UNCTAD is designed for individuals seeking to gain practical experience in the field of international trade and development. The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of five days a week, totaling 40 hours. Interns will work in-person at the UNCTAD office in Geneva, and must possess a valid visa to participate. The internship is expected to commence on October 12, 2026, and will last for six months. Interns will be involved in various statistical and analytical tasks under the supervision of the Chief of the Statistical Methodology Unit, contributing to projects related to international trade, sustainable development, and statistical analysis. The role offers an opportunity for training and mentoring, allowing interns to develop their skills in a collaborative and multicultural environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will assist with a variety of tasks, including conducting research and analysis on topics such as international trade, trade in services, and sustainable development issues. They will support the collection, validation, and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data for various statistical projects. Interns will also contribute to the preparation and revision of project documents, analytical reports, and policy briefs. Additionally, they will help develop and implement the Trade in Services Statistics Information System (TiSSTAT), assist in organizing meetings and workshops, and contribute to communication and outreach activities related to UNCTAD's programs. Other responsibilities include drafting correspondence and administrative materials, monitoring ongoing activities, and performing any additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in a graduate program related to economics, political science, international relations, or a relevant field; be enrolled in a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level); or have graduated with a relevant university degree within the past year. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, particularly Microsoft Office, and possess a strong interest in the work of the United Nations and international development. Effective collaboration in a multicultural environment, along with strong analytical, research, and drafting skills, is essential. Knowledge of quantitative data analysis tools such as Excel, SPSS, R, Python, SQL, or Power BI is also highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be pursuing or have completed a degree in economics, political science, international relations, development studies, gender studies, or a closely related field. The internship is open to students in their final year of undergraduate studies, as well as those enrolled in Master's or Ph.D. programs. Proof of enrollment or graduation must be provided with the application.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not required for this internship, candidates should have a background in a field relevant to the internship. This could include academic projects, volunteer work, or other experiences that demonstrate a commitment to international trade and development issues. Interns are expected to be proactive and capable of working independently as well as part of a team.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of French is considered an asset, as both languages are used in the UN's working environment. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in English and possess the ability to understand and contribute to discussions in French.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and all costs related to travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and living expenses must be borne by the intern. Interns are not financially compensated by the United Nations and must arrange their own visas and work authorizations if applicable. The internship is full-time and in-person, with no expectation of employment within the UN following the internship. Interns are not eligible to apply for professional positions within the UN for six months after completing their internship. The application process requires a complete online submission, including a Cover Note and Personal History Profile, and only successful candidates will be contacted.