Intern - Economic Affairs

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Position Title: Intern - Economic Affairs
Location: Bangkok
Country: Thailand
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the Trade, Investment and Innovation Division, specifically the Trade Policy and Facilitation Section of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP). UN ESCAP was established to promote economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region. The organization focuses on enhancing regional cooperation and integration, and it operates in multiple countries across Asia and the Pacific. The division employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to addressing the development needs of the region's least developed countries and other nations with special needs. UN ESCAP is committed to fostering sustainable development and improving trade and investment policies in the region.

Job Overview:
The internship program is designed for candidates with a background in Economics, and it lasts for a duration of 2 to 6 months. Interns will work full-time, five days a week, under the supervision of a staff member in the division. The program aims to provide interns with invaluable academic and applied skills through hands-on experience in a dynamic team environment. Interns will engage in various tasks related to trade, trade policy, and trade facilitation, contributing to the development of the region's trade landscape. The internship is unpaid, and candidates are encouraged to specify their preferred start and end dates in their cover letter. The Trade Policy and Facilitation Section is involved in a wide range of activities, including research, training, capacity building, and advisory services to member governments, with a focus on the development needs of the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a variety of responsibilities that may vary based on their background and the needs of their supervisor. Key duties include conducting background research, literature reviews, and drafting contributions to ESCAP publications on trade-related issues. Interns will support initiatives such as the Asia-Pacific Research and Training Network (ARTNeT) and the UN Network of Experts for Paperless Trade and Transport in Asia and the Pacific (UNNExT). They will also monitor and evaluate regional trade agreements, maintain the APTIAD database, and analyze data on trade flows and tariffs. Additional responsibilities may involve providing logistical support for training events, conferences, and meetings, as well as engaging in research topics of mutual interest with their supervisors. Past interns have successfully published joint working papers and policy briefs, showcasing the potential for significant contributions during the internship.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: they must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), or they must be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent). A background in Economics is preferred, but no prior work experience is required. Candidates should possess skills and knowledge that would benefit the United Nations during their internship.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be pursuing or have completed a degree in Economics or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of trade policies and economic development, which are central to the internship's focus.

Experience:
No prior work experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. However, candidates should demonstrate relevant training, education, or advanced coursework that would contribute to their effectiveness in the internship role. The emphasis is on the candidate's academic background and skills rather than professional experience.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for the internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset. English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, and proficiency in these languages will enhance the intern's ability to contribute effectively to the team.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. While remote internships are optional, applicants may be required to undertake the internship remotely due to visa issuance constraints or other travel limitations. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Thailand may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.