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Position Title: Internship in the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Location: Geneva, Remote
Country: Switzerland, Remote
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) was established in 1964 and is a permanent intergovernmental body. It is part of the United Nations Secretariat and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. UNCTAD's mission is to promote the integration of developing countries into the world economy, and it operates in over 190 countries. The organization focuses on trade, investment, finance, technology, and sustainable development, and it employs a diverse workforce of approximately 1,500 staff members from various cultural backgrounds.

Job Overview:
The Internship Position is primarily located within the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and is designed to provide students or recent graduates with practical experience in the workings of the UN. The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of five days per week, totaling 40 hours. Interns may work in-person in Geneva or remotely, depending on their circumstances. The internship is set to begin on November 25, 2024, and will last for six months. Interns will receive training and mentoring throughout their tenure, and they will work under the supervision of the Acting Chief of the Commodities Branch, contributing to various research and documentation tasks related to trade in commodities and economic diversification.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including compiling information and data on trade in commodities, conducting both quantitative and qualitative research, preparing drafts on specific issues, creating charts and graphs, and providing substantive support for the preparation of documents such as presentations and project assessments. They will also assist with proofreading and editing publications and support other activities of the Commodities Branch as needed. Interns must ensure they have the necessary technology to perform their tasks, including a computer with the latest version of Microsoft Office 365 and adherence to IT Security best practices. Additionally, interns are expected to observe all applicable UN rules and regulations, respect the confidentiality of information, and maintain the impartiality required of the UN.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet specific qualifications to be eligible for the internship. They should either be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program (second university degree or equivalent) or be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level). Interns should be computer literate in standard Software Applications and demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations. They must also possess the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs. While no prior work experience is required, a degree in economics, development, Law, political science, or other relevant social sciences is necessary, with a preference for studies in economics, International Relations, or trade-related fields.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in or completion of a graduate school program or being in the final year of a bachelor's degree program. The degree should be in a relevant field such as economics, development, law, political science, or other social sciences that align with the work of the UNCTAD. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of trade and development issues that the Intern will be involved with during their internship.

Experience:
No prior work experience is required for this internship position. However, applicants should have a strong academic background in relevant fields and demonstrate a commitment to the ideals of the United Nations. The internship is designed to provide practical experience and enhance the educational experience of students or recent graduates, making it an excellent opportunity for those looking to enter the field of International Trade and development.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of French and/or Spanish is considered desirable, as it may enhance communication and collaboration within the UN environment, which operates in multiple languages.

Additional Notes:
Candidates will be assessed based on their Personal History Profiles (PHP), and individual interviews may be conducted for further evaluation. A complete online application, including a Cover Note and Personal History Profile, is required, and incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The Cover Note must detail the title of the degree, graduation date, IT skills, and reasons for being the best candidate for the internship. It is important to note that this internship is unpaid, and all costs related to travel, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern. Interns are not eligible for employment within the UN for six months following the internship, and those related to UN staff members must adhere to specific eligibility criteria. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.