Intern - Economic Affairs (Trade Policy)

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the Trade, Investment and Innovation Division (TIID) of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP). This organization focuses on promoting sustainable economic growth and social development in the Asia-Pacific region. Established to support member states in achieving inclusive and sustainable development, UN ESCAP operates in various countries across the Asia-Pacific, engaging in research, policy analysis, and capacity-building activities. The organization employs a diverse workforce and collaborates with multiple stakeholders to address regional challenges.

Job Overview:
The internship program is designed for candidates interested in international trade, e-learning development, and event organization. It is a full-time, unpaid position lasting between three to six months, requiring interns to work five days a week for a total of 35 hours. Interns will be supervised by a staff member within the Trade Policy and Facilitation Section, which is a dynamic team involved in various aspects of trade policy, investment, and trade facilitation. The selected intern will primarily assist in developing an e-learning course focused on trade agreement negotiations, which includes editing pre-recorded expert videos, preparing learning materials, and coordinating course development activities. Additionally, the intern will help organize UN meetings, conferences, and side events related to trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region. The role is ideal for candidates who are eager to learn new skills, are creative, and possess strong organizational abilities. Remote internships are also available, and candidates are encouraged to indicate their preference in their application.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will support the development of an e-learning course on trade agreement negotiations, which involves tasks such as editing pre-recorded expert videos, preparing learning materials, and coordinating course development activities. They will also assist in organizing UN meetings, conferences, and side events related to trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region. Interns are expected to work collaboratively with team members, contribute to research and analysis, and participate in training and capacity-building activities for policymakers. The internship provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international trade and event coordination while working in a fast-paced environment.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent) or be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level). Candidates from various academic disciplines are welcome, although studies in economics, international relations, public policy, communications, education, business, or related fields may be advantageous. Specialized technical knowledge or advanced research background is not necessary, and no prior work experience is required. Familiarity with basic editing tools such as Canva and PowerPoint is a plus, but candidates interested in learning these tools are encouraged to apply.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program or the final year of a bachelor’s degree program. The internship is open to students from diverse academic backgrounds, and while studies in relevant fields such as economics, international relations, or public policy may be beneficial, they are not mandatory. The organization values the educational training and skills that candidates bring to the internship, which should align with the goals of the United Nations.

Experience:
No prior work experience is required to apply for this internship. However, candidates with experience in organizing university events, workshops, or other activities may find their skills beneficial in this role. The internship is designed to provide practical experience and learning opportunities for students and recent graduates, making it accessible to those at the beginning of their professional journey.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for the internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is considered an asset. The official languages of the United Nations Secretariat include Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. Candidates who possess skills in these languages may enhance their application, but English proficiency is the primary requirement.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Thailand may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is free from financial burdens.