Economic Affairs Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) is a key component of the United Nations, established to serve as a vital interface between global policies in the economic, social, and environmental spheres and national action. DESA's mission is to promote sustainable development through the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 associated targets adopted by the UN General Assembly on 25 September 201

• The organization operates globally, engaging with various countries to address pressing development issues and to provide policy analysis and recommendations. DESA is committed to fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth, social development, and environmental protection, and it plays a crucial role in coordinating international efforts to achieve these goals. The Economic Analysis and Policy Division (EAPD) within DESA focuses on research and policy analysis related to macroeconomic trends and development issues, serving as a Secretariat to the Committee for Development Policy, which advises the Economic and Social Council on development matters. The organization employs a diverse workforce and collaborates with various stakeholders to enhance capacity development in developing countries through research, training, and workshops.

Job Overview:
The Economic intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Affairs Intern position is designed for individuals who are passionate about economic and social development and are eager to contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The intern will work closely with the Economic Affairs Officer in the Economic Analysis and Policy Division (EAPD) and will be involved in conducting research on critical topics such as the 2030 Agenda, Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and various economic and social development issues. The role emphasizes the importance of understanding global macroeconomic trends and the challenges faced by countries in special situations. The intern will assist in capacity-building activities, which may include communication and dissemination of research findings, thereby playing a vital role in supporting the Division's objectives. This internship provides an excellent opportunity for students or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic international organization while contributing to meaningful projects that aim to improve the lives of people around the world.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks that contribute to the work of the Economic Analysis and Policy Division. Key duties include: conducting in-depth research with a strong emphasis on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its implications for Least Developed Countries; performing country-specific research to analyze experiences related to LDC graduation and macroeconomic, environmental, and health policy issues; assisting in the implementation of capacity-building activities, which may involve preparing materials for workshops and training sessions; supporting the communication and dissemination of the Development Policy Branch's work, including drafting reports and presentations; collaborating with team members to ensure the successful execution of projects and initiatives; and participating in meetings and discussions to provide insights and contribute to the overall objectives of the Division.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required for the UN Internship Programme, applicants should have a field of study that is closely related to the internship they are applying for. It is essential for applicants to demonstrate a strong interest in economic and social development issues and to possess good analytical skills. Additionally, proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, is necessary, along with a working knowledge of statistical/econometric software such as Stata.

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. Programme or equivalent. This educational background should ideally be in a field related to economics, social sciences, international relations, or a similar discipline that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. Proof of enrollment or completion of the relevant academic programme must be provided with the application, and an official certificate may be required at a later stage.

Experience:
While no prior professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. This could include research projects, internships, or volunteer work related to economic and social development, policy analysis, or international relations. The internship is particularly suited for individuals who are eager to learn and gain practical experience in a global context.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's application. Proficiency in these languages will facilitate better communication and collaboration within the diverse environment of the UN.

Additional Notes:
This internship is offered on a full or part-time basis and is hybrid in nature, allowing for a combination of remote and in-office work. The expected duration of the internship is three months, with a desired start date of 30 November 202

• It is important to note that interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. Candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements with the UN before accepting the internship offer. Additionally, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.