for the UNECE/ECTD
Assist in economic cooperation and trade research activities.
Overview
Assist in economic cooperation and trade research activities.
You have:
- Enrolment in graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
- Possession of a university degree, as defined above.
- Academic background in international relations, international law, economics or related fields;
- Proficiency in standard software applications;
- Deep and demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations.
- Fluency in English is required;
- Working knowledge of Russian is desirable;
- No prior professional work experience is required for participation in the Internship Programme.
- Experience in research, policy analysis, communication or event organization related to trade, transport, sustainability or digitalization is desirable.
Contract
This is a I-1 contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about I-1 contracts.
Work Location
Geneva
Expected duration
6 months (1 July - 31 December 2026)
Duties and Responsibilities
The internship position is located in the Economic Cooperation and Trade Division, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe based in Geneva. The intern is expected to contribute to the work of the Cooperation and Partnerships Section, Economic Cooperation and Trade Division, and specifically to the activities of the United Nations Development Account project “Leveraging trade for a just and green transition in the Central Asia, Southern Caucasus and Western Balkans sub-regions”. The internship is expected to support the activities related to enhancing capacity of the project target countries to harness digital trade facilitation and transition to a more just gender-responsive green economy, as follows: • Assist in the development and implementation of analytical studies related to sustainable and digital trade facilitation in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The studies will assess socio-economic needs in target countries and offer targeted country-specific recommendations to harness digital trade for addressing climate change, including through input into national sustainable and digital trade facilitation roadmaps. • Undertake desk research, data collection and contribute to interviews with trade stakeholders in target countries. • Contribute to the development of country-specific policy recommendations, presentations, briefing note, knowledge products and communication materials related to the project outputs. Then intern will also perform other related duties as required, compatible with the tasks outlined above, such as: • Provide research assistance on issues related to digital connectivity and trade facilitation including preparation of speaking notes, concept notes, briefing papers. • Offer general communications and outreach assistance, including through social media platforms.
Qualifications/special skills
Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications at the time of application: • enrolment in graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); • enrolment in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (Bachelor's level or equivalent); • possession of a university degree, as defined above. Additional prerequisites include: • academic background in international relations, international law, economics or related fields; • a deep and demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; • an interest in the Division's key areas of expertise, including digital connectivity and trade facilitation. • proficiency in standard software applications; • proven ability to successfully engage with individuals of diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, showing an openness to try and understand and respect differing opinions and views. We welcome applicants from all countries, with special encouragement for candidate from under-represented or un-represented countries in the UN to apply. No prior professional work experience is required for participation in the Internship Programme. Experience in research, policy analysis, communication or event organization related to trade, transport, sustainability or digitalization is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of Russian is desirable.
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 had to conduct research for a project? | This question assesses your research skills and ability to gather and analyze information. | Provide a specific example, outlining the research methods used and the outcomes. |
| What interests you about the work of the United Nations? | This tests your motivation and alignment with UN goals and values. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a situation when you worked with diverse groups of people. What did you learn? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What methods do you use for effective communication in your work? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you stay updated on international trade issues? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you provide an example of a project where you offered policy recommendations? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Discuss your experience or interest in digital trade facilitation. Why is it important? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |