Intern, Economic Affairs

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Intern, Economic Affairs
Location: Addis Ababa
Country: Ethiopia
Deadline Date: April 1, 2025

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) was established in 1958 and is one of the regional commissions of the United Nations. Its mission is to promote the economic and social development of its member states, foster regional integration, and enhance cooperation among African countries. UNECA operates in multiple countries across the African continent, working with governments, regional organizations, and other stakeholders to address various economic challenges. The organization employs a diverse workforce dedicated to advancing Africa's development agenda and is involved in numerous initiatives aimed at improving trade, investment, and sustainable development in the region.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is situated within the Regional Integration and Trade Division (RITD) of UNECA, which focuses on promoting regional cooperation and integration among African nations. The RITD comprises three main sections: the African Trade Policy Centre, Regional Integration, and Market Institutions. The primary goal of this division is to enhance the capacity of member states and regional economic communities to formulate and implement policies that deepen regional markets, boost intra-African trade and investment, and accelerate industrialization. Interns will engage in various research and analytical tasks, contributing to the development of policies aligned with the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 206

• This role is designed for individuals who are eager to gain hands-on experience in economic affairs, particularly in the context of regional integration and trade in Africa.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for assisting in a variety of tasks that support the objectives of the Regional Integration and Trade Division. Key responsibilities include conducting literature reviews and compiling databases to support research on topics such as the free movement of persons, labour mobility, trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the development needs of landlocked developing countries (LLDCs). Interns will also help organize expert group meetings and policy dialogues, prepare briefing notes, talking points, and speeches for senior officials, and undertake any other ad hoc assignments as required by the division. This role provides a unique opportunity to engage with critical issues affecting regional integration and trade in Africa.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in economic affairs, regional integration, and trade policy, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to have a relevant educational background, which may include fields such as economics, international relations, trade policy, or a related discipline. A graduate degree or a bachelor's degree nearing completion is essential for applicants to be considered for the internship.

Experience:
While prior professional experience is not mandatory for this internship, any relevant academic or practical experience in economic research, policy analysis, or related fields will be considered an asset. Interns should be prepared to demonstrate their analytical skills and ability to work on complex issues related to regional integration and trade.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is considered an advantage, as it may enhance communication and collaboration within the organization and with member states.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires full-time, in-person attendance in Addis Ababa. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. It is important for candidates who are not citizens or permanent residents of Ethiopia to discuss their visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.