Economic Affairs Intern (Foreign Direct Investments (FDI)
Support research and policy work related to investment trends in the Asia-Pacific region.
Overview
Support research and policy work related to investment trends in the Asia-Pacific region.
You have:
- Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Master's degree in economics, public policy, business (MBA), or a related field.
- Experience working with external stakeholders (government or private sector).
- Interests in FDI, international trade, or economic development trends in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Strong ability to conduct quantitative research (Having done any publication work is a plus).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Strong time-management abilities, attention to detail, and capacity to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Contract
This is a I-1 contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about I-1 contracts.
Work Location
Bangkok (or remote)
Expected duration
Four (4) to six (6) months. Desired start date is as early as possible.
Duties and Responsibilities
The United Nations ESCAP (UNESCAP) is seeking motivated candidates for a 4 to 6-month internship with the Innovation, Enterprise and Investment Section (IEIS) of the Trade, Investment and Innovation Division (TIID). The internship focuses on foreign direct investment (FDI) and investment promotion in the Asia-Pacific region. Interns will support research and policy work related to investment trends, the role of FDI in supporting sustainable development, and capacity-building for Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs). Tasks may include drafting reports, preparing presentations, and assisting in stakeholder engagement and event coordination. Duties are as follows: 1. Research and Analysis (and documentation): a. Conduct research on investment (including foreign direct investments (FDI)) trends in the Asia-Pacific region and globally using several databases; summarize and analyze data b. Assist in preparing economic reports, concept notes, and briefing documents. c. Support research projects focused on investment trends, industry & sector trends, and FDI flows d. Support the development of investment project case studies and their impact on sustainable development. 2. Stakeholder Engagement: a. Liaise with government ministries, private sector organizations, and international b. Stakeholders to coordinate meetings, events, and follow-up communications. c. Assist in scheduling meetings with relevant stakeholders across countries and sectors. Special requirements: • Research and Analytical Skills: o Strong ability to conduct quantitative research. (Having done any publication work is a plus.) o Understanding of economic research, particularly related to investment promotion, attraction, and investment policies.. • Organizational Skills: o Strong time-management abilities, attention to detail, and capacity to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. • Communication Skills: o Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. The internship is UNPAID and full-time. The minimum duration of an internship is minimum four months and can be extended up to a total of six months. The expected working hours for interns are from 0900-1630 hours with 45-minute lunch break and interns work five days per week (37.5 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the Innovation, Enterprise and Investment Section. Internships are expected to start as agreed with the supervisor. Work Location: Bangkok (or remote)
Qualifications/special skills
a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) in computer science, web development, economic, finance, innovation, international relations related to science and technology, or any other related area; or b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent). c) Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Master's degree in economics, public policy, business (MBA), or a related field. d) Experience working with external stakeholders (government or private sector). e) Interests in FDI, international trade, or economic development trends in the Asia-Pacific region.
Languages
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Additional Information
Not available.
Intern Specific text
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a time when you conducted detailed research on investment trends? | The interviewer wants to assess your research capabilities and experience with investment data. | Provide an example where you analyzed data and how it influenced investment decisions. |
| How do you manage multiple deadlines and tasks effectively? | This question evaluates your organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What motivates your interest in foreign direct investment and its impact on sustainable development? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a situation where you had to engage with external stakeholders. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you give an example of a report you have written or contributed to? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you approach learning about complex economic concepts? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What software or databases are you familiar with for conducting economic research? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How would you assist in coordinating an event with multiple stakeholders? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |