Economic Affairs Intern

The Economic Affairs Intern will support the dissemination of UNCTAD's research and assist in organizing briefings and meetings with member states, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), partners, parliamentarians, and other stakeholders. The intern will contribute to developing concept notes and project proposals in selected areas of the Division for Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes (ALDC) Regional Office for Africa (ROA). Key responsibilities include undertaking analysis on topical issues related to UNCTAD's mandate and ALDC ROA’s work areas, identifying and compiling updated research documents, preparing briefing notes, workshop reports, and statistics, and attending and summarizing conferences and meetings. The intern will also update office databases, perform internet-based research, and catalogue information related to UNCTAD's work. Additional tasks may include identifying initiatives and major meetings at the Africa and regional levels where UNCTAD can participate, such as with the UN, African Development Bank, Afrexim Bank, and AfCFTA Secretariat. The intern will work under the supervision of the Chief of the Regional Office for Africa and must observe all applicable UN rules, regulations, and directives. All materials prepared during the internship must be provided to the receiving department/office, and property rights for such materials will belong to the UN. The intern must respect the impartiality and independence of the UN and maintain confidentiality regarding non-public information.

Applicants must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent). The degree must be in the area of economics. Applicants must be computer literate in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. A demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and commitment to the ideals of the Charter is required. Applicants should have the ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, including tolerance for differing opinions and views. Good knowledge of standard software applications and desktop research skills to draft concept notes and research proposals are desirable. No professional work experience is required, but a field of study closely related to the internship is mandatory. Applicants must have a valid visa if working in-person in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and must cover all costs of travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and living expenses. For remote work, applicants must have full access to a computer with a modern browser and the latest version of Office 365 applications, with basic IT security best practices implemented (e.g., updated Windows OS, enabled firewall, password manager).