Internship at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is a part of the United Nations that focuses on trade, investment, and development issues. Established in 1964, UNCTAD aims to promote the integration of developing countries into the world economy. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a mission to support developing nations in their efforts to achieve sustainable development through trade and investment. UNCTAD employs a diverse workforce of professionals from various backgrounds and expertise, working collaboratively to address global economic challenges.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at UNCTAD is designed to provide students or recent graduates with an opportunity to gain practical experience in the field of trade and development. Interns will be placed in the Debt and analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Financial Analysis Unit (DFAU) of the Debt and Development Finance Branch (DDFB) within the Division on Globalization and Development Strategies (DGDS). The internship is full-time and unpaid, requiring interns to work five days a week for a total of 40 hours. The internship is expected to commence on 26 May 2025 and will last for six months. Interns will engage in various tasks that support the work of the DFAU, including conducting document and internet research, compiling statistics, updating databases, preparing presentations, and assisting in organizing events. This role is crucial for those looking to enhance their educational experience while contributing to the mission of the United Nations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the operations of the Debt and Financial Analysis Unit. These tasks include: conducting document and internet research to gather relevant information; assisting in compiling and analyzing statistics related to debt and financial issues; updating existing databases and creating new ones to ensure accurate data management; preparing PowerPoint presentations for internal and external meetings; assisting in convening virtual meetings and events organized by the Unit, such as the Intergovernmental Group of Experts; and providing support for the preparation of significant conferences, including the Fourth Financing for Development Conference (FfD4) and UNCTAD1

• Interns are also expected to adhere to the rules and regulations of the UN, respect confidentiality, and maintain impartiality throughout their internship.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the UN Internship Programme, applicants must meet specific criteria. They should be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) or be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent). Additionally, interns should possess computer literacy in standard software applications, demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, and show a commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. The ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds is also essential. While no prior work experience is required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary.

Educational Background:
Applicants must have a relevant educational background to qualify for the internship. They should either be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor's or equivalent), or they should have completed a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. program. It is important for applicants to provide proof of their educational status at the time of application. Additionally, proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, is required to effectively perform the tasks associated with the internship.

Experience:
The internship does not require any prior professional work experience. However, applicants should have a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship they are applying for. This means that while formal work experience is not necessary, relevant academic training or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship is essential. The program is designed to enhance the educational experience of students and recent graduates, allowing them to gain valuable insights into the workings of the United Nations.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship. Additionally, knowledge of other official languages of the United Nations, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage. This multilingual capability can enhance communication and collaboration within the diverse environment of the UN, where multiple languages are used in daily operations.

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 Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. The UN does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be aware that there is no expectation of employment within the UN following the internship. Interns are also not eligible to apply for or be appointed to professional-level positions within the UN for six months after the completion of their internship.