Economic Affairs - Intern

Job Description

Work Location

• In Person, Full-time

Expected Duration

• 6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

• Report to the Chief of the DMFAS Programme, Debt and Development Finance Branch, Globalization and Development Division.
• Support the Debt and Financial Analysis Unit (DFAU) in performing research, consensus building, and technical assistance related to debt and development finance issues.
• Assist in preparing the UN Secretary-General’s annual report on external debt sustainability and development.
• Provide secretarial support to the UNCTAD Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Financing for Development.
• Conduct research and provide technical assistance on:
• • Mobilization of external and domestic financial resources for development (public and private)
  • Debt and debt sustainability issues and the Sustainable Development Goals
  • Systemic issues underlying developing countries’ debt vulnerabilities
  • Reform proposals for improving global financial and debt architecture from a developmental perspective
• Support DFAU tasks, including:
  • Writing assessment reports
  • Drafting project proposals and project budgets
  • Monitoring progress in debt management projects
  • Preparing capacity-building course materials
• For remote work, ensure full access to a computer with the latest Office 365 applications and implement basic IT security best practices, including:
  • Up-to-date Microsoft Windows OS, software, and security updates
  • Enabled built-in software firewall
  • Use of password manager for secure access to UNCTAD/UN resources
• General internship obligations:
  • Observe all applicable UN rules, regulations, instructions, procedures, and directives.
  • Provide copies of all materials prepared during the internship to the receiving department/office; the UN retains property rights.
  • Respect UN impartiality and independence; do not accept external instructions.
  • Maintain confidentiality; do not share non-public information without authorization.
  • Refrain from conduct that adversely reflects on the UN; internship does not guarantee employment afterward.

Qualifications/Special Skills

• Must meet one of the following:
• • Enrolled in or completed a graduate school programme (second university degree or higher)
  • Enrolled in or completed the final year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent)
• Degree field: Economics, Political Science, Development Studies, or related area
• Must be computer literate in standard software applications (MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Teams)
• Keen interest in the work of the UN and commitment to the ideals of the Charter
• Ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds
• No prior professional work experience required; academic background and skills must benefit the UN during the internship

Languages

• Required: English – fluency in spoken and written English
• Advantageous: Knowledge of an additional official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish)

Additional Information

• Assessment: Candidates assessed based on Personal History Profiles (PHP); individual interviews may be conducted.
• Complete online application required (cover note + PHP); incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
• Cover note must include:
• • Degree title and graduation date
  • List of IT skills and software proficiency
  • Explanation of why the candidate is best suited for the internship
• PHP must include past work experience, IT skills, and three references
• Only successful candidates will be contacted
• Special notice:
  • No expectation of employment with the UN after the internship
  • Interns not eligible to apply for or be appointed to professional-level positions for six months after the internship
  • Children, siblings, or close relatives of UN staff have eligibility restrictions
  • Interns bear costs of travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and living expenses
  • Visa and work/employment authorization required if not a citizen or permanent resident of the internship country

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 the intern or their sponsoring institution.
• Visa and work/employment authorization required if not a citizen or permanent resident of the internship country.

Deadline : Dec 8, 2025