T4SD Intern
Contribute to sustainability standards analysis and T4SD project activities.
This opening expired 3 months ago.
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Overview
Contribute to sustainability standards analysis and T4SD project activities.
You have:
- Be enrolled in a graduate school programme or be in the final academic year of a first university degree.
- Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
- Fluency in written and spoken German is desirable.
- Working knowledge of other official UN languages is an advantage.
- Experience with Microsoft Office and social media is required.
- Ability to present findings clearly in writing and orally is required.
- Tact and diplomacy in a multi-cultural setting are essential.
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
6 months - 23 February to 21 August 2026
Duties and Responsibilities
BACKGROUND: The International Trade Centre (ITC) assists developing and transition economy countries to take advantage of expanding trade opportunities in an increasingly complex global environment. ITC supports Trade Impact for Good, promoting sustainable and inclusive development goals through trade. The Green and Inclusive Value Chains Section (GIVC) leads ITC’s efforts to strengthen MSMEs integrate sustainability in their operations and become more inclusive, efficient & competitive, and access international markets. GIVC develops, maintains and expands the scope of its market analysis tools and works on a range of development-oriented activities, among a “Trade for Sustainable Development (T4SD) project. The T4SD project focuses on two key objectives. First, it aims to provide comprehensive, accessible and comparable information on voluntary standards. Second, it aims to assess the effects of conventional and sustainable trade and production practices on socio-economic development and the environment. The main output of the project has been the development of a web-based platform (www.sustainabilitymap.org) which centralises information on trade and sustainable development and makes information integrated, comparable and widely accessible. The goal of internship is to contribute to the successful development and implementation of the activities implemented by the section, by providing support and content to the development of strategies and new proposals, and to the deployment of tools, databases and methodologies, as well as by providing support to successful implementation of GIVC events and activities. ITC highly values the opportunity to build the technical and management skills of a new generation of leaders, in partnership with key institutional actors. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Head, T4SD, and in collaboration with the Advisor, Sustainability Standards & Value Chains, the intern will work closely with T4SD team in the following areas of work: • Contribute to projects related to sustainability standards, namely analysis and review of voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) applied to certain sectors and countries and contribute to maintenance of GIVC database of comprehensive, comparable and verified information on VSS; Support the preparation of ITC events organized by T4SD and related communications materials, including newsletter, social media posts, brochures, correspondences with guests and speakers, and translate the communications materials from English to German; • Contribute to T4SD projects implementation, research, briefs/thought pieces, leveraging desk research information to offer new insight; • Contribute to field work projects monitoring and reporting. 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
EDUCATION: Applicants to the programme shall, at the time of application, meet one of the following requirements: a) Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent); c) Have graduated with a university degree (as defined in a or b above) and, if selected, shall commence the internship within one year of graduation. Relevant field of studies e.g. business studies, international trade, development.
Languages
LANGUAGES AND SKILLS: - Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Fluency in written and spoken German is desirable. Working knowledge of other official UN languages is an advantage. - Computer literate, particularly with relation to Microsoft Office and social media. Good communication and analytical skills and the capacity to present findings clearly in writing and orally. - Tact and diplomacy dealing with individuals in a multi-cultural setting, both internally and externally.
Additional Information
LEARNING ELEMENTS: 1. Gain meaningful work experience in sustainable value chains and trade-related technical assistance aimed to expand academic, professional and personal learning. 2. Gain experience in the work of ITC and deepen knowledge and understanding of ITC’s goals and mission. 3. Gain exposure in specialized events related to the United Nations & 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Student work plans can be adjusted to achieve the academic requirements in their field of study or time can be made available to advance their academic obligations.
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
| Describe a time when you analyzed sustainability standards. What was your approach? | This question assesses your analytical skills and understanding of sustainability standards. | Provide a specific example and explain your thought process and the outcome. |
| How would you communicate sustainability concepts to a diverse audience? | This evaluates your communication skills in a multicultural context. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you share an experience where you had to work as part of a team? What role did you play? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies would you use to stay organized while managing multiple tasks for the T4SD projects? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Give an example of how you have dealt with a challenging situation in a multicultural environment. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| In your opinion, what is the importance of trade in achieving sustainable development goals? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a successful event you have organized or contributed to. What were the key elements that led to its success? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What encouraged you to apply for the internship with the International Trade Centre? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
Added 4 months ago
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Updated 3 months ago
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Source:
careers.un.org
