Economic Affairs Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA) is an organization that focuses on supporting Arab countries in addressing the root causes and consequences of conflict, fragility, and occupation. Established to promote sustainable development in the region, ESCWA works to strengthen public institutions, advance inclusive governance, and enhance the resilience of state structures to various shocks. The organization operates in multiple countries across the Arab region, providing technical and policy support to help nations assess and address institutional risks, design responsive governance systems, and implement recovery strategies that contribute to peacebuilding and long-term stability. ESCWA's mission is particularly relevant in contexts affected by protracted crises, where the impact of conflict has severely constrained sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The Economic intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Affairs Intern will play a vital role in supporting the work of the UN-ESCWA's Cluster on Conflict Prevention, Governance, and Institutions. This position is designed for individuals who are eager to contribute to research, analytical tasks, and support activities that align with the priorities of the Cluster. The intern will engage in various functions, including conducting preliminary research on the impact of conflict and governance challenges on sustainable development, supporting data analysis and quantitative research, and assisting in the preparation of datasets and analytical tools. The intern will also be involved in drafting reports, policy briefs, and presentation materials, translating and editing publications, and supporting communications and knowledge-sharing activities. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic international organization while contributing to meaningful projects that address critical issues in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include conducting preliminary research and reference searches on issues related to conflict, occupation, and governance challenges. They will support data analysis and quantitative research, including compiling, processing, and visualizing data related to public institutions and recovery trajectories. The intern will assist in preparing datasets from national and international sources and contribute to the development of dashboards and analytical tools. They will survey recovery and governance policy interventions undertaken by affected countries and prepare background notes or short reports. Additionally, the intern will support the drafting of reports, policy briefs, and presentation materials, including charts, tables, and infographics. They will also be responsible for translating and editing publications and online content, assisting with legal and internet research, and supporting communications and knowledge-sharing activities. Other related duties may be assigned by the Director or Section Chief.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet specific conditions: they must be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent), or have graduated with a university degree. Additionally, applicants must be computer literate in standard software applications and demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, along with a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. They should also have the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, showing a willingness to understand and tolerate differing opinions and views. Importantly, no prior working experience is required to apply for this internship.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in a graduate school program or being in the final year of a bachelor's degree program. Candidates who have already graduated with a relevant university degree are also eligible to apply. This educational requirement ensures that interns possess the necessary academic foundation to engage with the complex issues addressed by the UN-ESCWA.

Experience:
This internship does not require any prior working experience, making it an excellent opportunity for students or recent graduates looking to gain practical experience in an international organization. The focus is on providing a learning experience that allows interns to develop their skills and knowledge in the field of economic and social affairs, particularly in relation to conflict prevention and governance.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic and English is required for this position, as these are the primary working languages of the UN-ESCWA. Candidates must demonstrate fluency in all four areas: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, but it is not mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
The internship is expected to last for a minimum of two months on a full-time basis, with the possibility of extension for a maximum period of six months. Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and they are responsible for their own travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses. Additionally, interns must show proof of valid medical insurance coverage for the duration of the internship and provide a medical certificate of good health prior to starting. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.