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 employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing global economic challenges. UNCTAD's mission is to support developing countries in their efforts to achieve sustainable development through trade and investment, and it provides a platform for dialogue and cooperation among member states.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at UNCTAD is designed to provide students and recent graduates with practical experience in the field of trade, poverty, and inequalities. Interns will work full-time, either in-person or remotely, and are expected to contribute to the work of the Trade, Poverty and Inequalities Branch (TPIB) within the Division for Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes (ALDC). The internship will commence on August 1, 2025, for an initial period of three months. Interns will receive training and mentoring throughout their tenure, allowing them to gain valuable insights into the operations of the United Nations and the specific challenges faced by African countries regarding poverty and inequality. The role requires a commitment to the ideals of the UN and an understanding of the importance of governance in addressing economic disparities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will assist economists in conducting research on poverty and inequality in selected African countries. Responsibilities include identifying governance challenges and analyzing their implications for economic conditions. Interns will collect and analyze economic data from various national and international sources, participate in meetings and conferences organized by the branch, and provide summaries of discussions. They are expected to adhere to all applicable UN rules and regulations, respect the confidentiality of information, and refrain from any conduct that could adversely reflect on the UN. Interns must also prepare and submit all materials created during their internship to the receiving departments, as the UN retains property rights over such materials. Furthermore, interns should not expect employment with the UN following their internship and must not apply for professional-level positions within six months after completing their internship.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the UN internship must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program or be in the final year of a bachelor's degree program. A degree in economics or international affairs is required. Interns should be proficient in standard software applications and demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the UN. They must possess strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Knowledge of governance issues in African countries and familiarity with statistical software are desirable attributes. While prior professional experience is not mandatory, a relevant field of study is essential for this internship.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes either a graduate degree or being in the final year of a bachelor's degree program. The degree should be in a relevant field such as economics, international relations, or a closely related discipline. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of trade, poverty, and governance issues that the internship will address.

Experience:
While the UN internship program does not require prior professional work experience, candidates should have a strong academic background in a relevant field. This internship is primarily aimed at students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience and enhance their educational journey. Familiarity with economic data analysis and governance issues is beneficial but not mandatory.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is required for this internship. This proficiency is essential for effective communication and participation in discussions and meetings within the UN framework. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and all costs related to travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern. Interns must have a valid visa for in-person internships and should ensure they have the necessary IT setup for remote work. The internship is expected to last from August 1, 2025, to October 31, 202

• Candidates will be assessed based on their Personal History Profiles, and only successful applicants will be contacted. It is important to note that the UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any fraudulent activities related to job offers.