Intern - Economic Affairs

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations, addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN operates in various countries around the world, employing thousands of individuals across diverse fields, including economic affairs, human rights, and humanitarian assistance. The organization aims to foster international collaboration and provide a platform for dialogue among member states.

Job Overview:
The internship in Economic Affairs is designed to provide students with practical experience in econometric research and data analysis, focusing on social protection policies and their economic impacts. Interns will engage in hands-on work involving econometric modeling, quantitative analysis, and policy research. The position requires a commitment to full-time work (35 hours per week) for a duration of six months, with the possibility of adjustments based on the intern's needs. Interns will have the opportunity to work closely with datasets from international organizations and national statistics agencies, contributing to meaningful research that informs policymakers and stakeholders in the field of economic development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for conducting econometric research and data analysis, which includes using statistical software such as Stata, R, or Python to perform econometric modeling. They will apply various causal inference techniques, including Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Panel Data Analysis, Instrumental Variables, and Difference-in-Differences, to evaluate the impact of social protection policies on economic outcomes. Additionally, interns will conduct literature reviews on topics related to social protection, income distribution, and economic development in Africa. They will contribute to drafting analysis reports and policy briefs that summarize their findings for policymakers. Interns will also create data visualizations to effectively communicate their results and develop presentation materials for engagement with policymakers and development partners. Furthermore, they will assist in organizing policy discussions and webinars, supporting coordination with African research institutions and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required for the UN Internship Programme, applicants must have a field of study closely related to the internship. Proof of enrollment or completion of the relevant degree must be attached to the application, and an official certificate will be required at a later stage.

Educational Background:
Candidates should 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. program. The educational background should be relevant to the internship, particularly in fields such as economics, social sciences, or related disciplines that provide a foundation for understanding economic policies and data analysis.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that demonstrates their ability to conduct econometric research and data analysis. Familiarity with statistical software and econometric techniques is highly desirable, as is any previous involvement in research projects or academic work related to economic affairs or social protection policies.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also required, as it is another working language of the UN. Additionally, proficiency in any other official UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the UN's multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, meaning that interns will not receive financial remuneration from the United Nations. Interns are responsible for their own costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is essential for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the UN prior to accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.