Refugees and Trade Intern

Support implementation of trade-related projects for refugees.

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ITC - International Trade Centre

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Application deadline 2 months ago: Wednesday 18 Mar 2026 at 03:59 UTC

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Overview

Support implementation of trade-related projects for refugees.

You have:

  • Be enrolled in the final academic year of the first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); OR be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); OR have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the internship within one year of graduation.
  • Advanced knowledge of English is required. Knowledge of Arabic or Russian is desirable.
  • Great command of Microsoft Office, basic design and virtual whiteboard tools.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Good research and analysis skills.

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, Switzerland

Expected duration

01 April 2026 - 30 September 2026

Duties and Responsibilities

BACKGROUND: The international Trade Centre is the joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, which provides technical assistance and capacity building to policymakers, the private sector and trade and investment support organisations to help them use trade as an engine for sustainable growth and employment generation. ITC works to support the achievement of the sustainable Development Goals by connecting micro, small and medium enterprises to global value chains. By enabling small business export success in developing countries, ITC helps generate sustainable incomes and livelihoods, especially for women and youth while taking into consideration sustainable elements such as the environment and social responsibility. The Refugee and Trade Team delivers ITC’s trade-related technical assistance for refugees and other people affected by displacement and migration, including IDPs and returning migrants. The team is housed in the Women, Youth, and Vulnerable Communities (WYVC) section within the Division of Sustainable and Inclusive Trade (DSIT). In the contexts of displacement and migration, ITC increases business and employment opportunities, creates better access and connection to markets and improved livelihoods and resilience. These objectives are delivered through five areas of work; (1) provide firm-level support, (2) strengthening the ecosystems for inclusive refugee economic participation, (3) policy advocacy, (4) research and knowledge sharing, and (5) strategic partnerships. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the overall guidance of Head, Refugees and Trade programme and direct supervision of the Associate Programme Officer, the selected candidate is expected to: 1. Support the implementation of projects and program, including taking meeting notes, drafting and preparing documents, and supporting coordination and communications with internal teams; 2. Contribute to knowledge management, including organizing documents, maintaining shared folders, and compiling lessons learned and good practices; 3. Contribute to project brainstorming and planning discussions, including on innovative solutions and approaches to interventions 4. Contribute to research and analysis on gaps, challenges, trends, and priority interventions related to support for refugee-led and displaced people–led MSMEs. ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender equality and gender parity and considers all qualified persons - of all genders - equally, including those with disabilities, without discrimination or prejudice of any kind.

Qualifications/special skills

a) Be enrolled in the final academic year of the first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); OR b) Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);OR c) Have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the internship within one year of graduation. Relevant field of studies: International development, business administration, development economics

Languages

Advanced knowledge of English is required. Knowledge of Arabic or Russian is desirable. Skills: - Great command of Microsoft Office, basic design and virtual whiteboard tools - Excellent verbal and written communication skills. - Good research and analysis skills

Additional Information

LEARNING ELEMENTS: • Gain meaningful work experience in the area of MSMEs development aimed to expand academic, professional and personal learning • Gain exposure in topics related to inclusive trade, especially for refugees and other displaced persons • Gain experience in the work of ITC and deepen knowledge and understanding of ITC’s goals and mission • Gain exposure in project and program development and implementation

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 discuss a time when you contributed to a project team and the outcomes of that project? The interviewer may want to assess your teamwork and collaboration skills. Provide a specific example that highlights your role and the impact of your contributions.
Describe an experience where you had to conduct research and how you analyzed your findings. The interviewer is interested in your research and analytical skills. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you approach supporting a marginalized community in accessing market opportunities? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What steps would you take to ensure effective communication within a diverse team? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide an example of a time you worked on a tight deadline? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you stay organized when managing multiple tasks? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What roles do you believe MSMEs play in fostering economic development? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you approach learning about new topics, especially in a field that is unfamiliar to you? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 3 months ago - Updated 2 months ago - Source: careers.un.org