Nowcasts 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 global economy. The organization operates in over 190 countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to fostering sustainable development through trade and economic policies. UNCTAD's mission is to support developing countries in their efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and it provides a platform for dialogue and cooperation among member states.

Job Overview:
The Nowcasts Intern position is part of the UNCTAD's Statistics, Data and Digital Service, which is responsible for producing real-time estimations of global trade and GDP through nowcasting models. The intern will play a crucial role in supporting the development and enhancement of these models, which utilize machine learning techniques and high-frequency indicators to provide timely economic signals. The internship is designed to provide students or recent graduates with hands-on experience in data analysis and economic forecasting, while also contributing to UNCTAD's analytical outputs, including the Global Trade Update. The intern is expected to work part-time, three days a week until January 2027, and then four days a week until the internship concludes in April 202

• This position is in-person, requiring the intern to be present in Geneva, and all associated costs must be covered by the intern.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will have a variety of responsibilities, including: assisting in the evaluation and enhancement of data collection pipelines that support the nowcasting models; contributing to the assessment and improvement of machine learning models, potentially introducing uncertainty bands; conducting research to explore the feasibility of expanding nowcasting efforts to additional geographies and datasets; and providing support for smaller, related tasks within the Service's AI and data science initiatives, as well as broader trade data analytics. The intern's goals and tasks may be adjusted based on the evolving workstream and the intern's interests, ensuring a tailored and enriching experience.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet specific criteria to be eligible for the UN internship programme. They should either be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent) or be in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level). Additionally, candidates should demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications and possess a strong interest in the work of the United Nations, along with a commitment to its ideals. The ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds is also essential. No prior work experience is required, but a relevant field of study is necessary to ensure that the intern's skills and knowledge will benefit the organization during their internship.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a university degree in a field closely related to the internship, such as Computer Science, Data Science, Economics, Information Technologies, or an equivalent area. They should be in their final year of a bachelor's degree, or have completed a bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. programme. Knowledge of programming languages and tools such as R, Python, PowerPoint, and Git is required, as these skills will be essential for the tasks assigned during the internship.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic training or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. The internship is designed to provide practical experience, and applicants are encouraged to highlight any relevant projects or academic achievements that demonstrate their capability to contribute to UNCTAD's work.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this internship, as it is the working language of the United Nations. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but English is the primary requirement for effective communication within the organization.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and part-time, requiring the intern to work three days a week until January 2027, after which the commitment increases to four days a week until the internship concludes in April 202

• Interns are responsible for all costs associated with travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and living expenses. A valid visa is required for in-person internships, and candidates must ensure they meet the visa requirements before accepting an internship offer. It is important to note that there is no expectation of employment with the UN following the internship, and interns are not eligible to apply for professional-level positions within the UN for six months after the internship ends. Additionally, the UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.