Support ESCAP’s mandate to promote inclusive economic, social, and environmental development, and regional cooperation and integration in the Asia-Pacific.
Work under the Trade Policy and Facilitation Section (TPFS) of the Trade, Investment, and Innovation Division (TIID).
Full-time UNPAID internship (35 hours per week), under the supervision of a division staff member.
Tasks may include:
Conduct background research, literature reviews, and draft inputs for ESCAP publications related to trade, trade policies, regional integration, trade facilitation, and trade-related sustainable development.
Support Asia-Pacific Research and Training Network (ARTNeT), UN Network of Experts for Paperless Trade and Transport in Asia and the Pacific (UNNExT), and Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA), including research dissemination via social media and webpages.
Monitor and evaluate regional trade agreements and maintain the APTIAD database.
Analyze data on trade flows, tariffs, and non-tariff measure trends.
Support section events, including through website and social media.
Provide logistical support for training events, conferences, and meetings.
Perform other tasks as required by the work programme.
Types of services include: research and analysis, training and capacity building for policymakers and researchers, advisory services to member governments, and organizing regional dialogues, meetings, and forums.
Daily responsibilities will vary depending on the intern’s background, supervisor’s assignments, and internship duration.
Interns are encouraged to engage in research topics of personal and supervisor interest. Past interns have published joint working papers and policy briefs.
Special Notice
Internships may be remote or onsite, depending on visa, travel, and UN premises access.
Interns are not financially remunerated; travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or sponsoring institution.
Applicants should specify preferred start and end dates in the cover letter.
Complete online application is required (Cover Note and Personal History Profile). Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Cover Note should include:
Current degree title and graduation date
Period of availability (longer than 4 months may be advantageous)
List of IT skills and programmes proficiency
Top three areas of interest/department preferences
Explanation of suitability and interest in UN internship programme
Personal History Profile should include all past work experience, IT skills, and three references.
Qualifications/Special Skills
Ideal candidates may have backgrounds in economics, international trade, public policy, data science, or related fields, with knowledge of AI/ML applications.
Prior involvement in AI research projects, policy analysis, or technical assessments is highly valued.
Strong analytical skills and ability to critically evaluate AI implementation in operational and regulatory contexts are essential.
Competencies include:
Communication: Draft clearly and concisely; strong written and oral English.
Teamwork: Collaborate effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
Client Orientation: Consider all service recipients as clients and understand their perspectives.
Planning & Organizing: Develop clear goals, prioritize activities, and adjust as needed.
Educational requirements:
Be enrolled in or have completed a graduate programme (second university degree or higher), or
Be enrolled in or have completed the final year of a first university degree (minimum bachelor’s or equivalent).
Economics preferred.
No prior work experience required; relevant training, education, and skills should benefit UN during internship.
Languages
Working languages: English and French. Fluency in English is required.
Knowledge of an additional UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish) is an asset.
Additional Information
Not available.
Intern Specific Text
Interns are not financially remunerated.
Travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or sponsoring institutions.
Non-citizens or non-permanent residents may need appropriate visa and work authorization.
Candidates should clarify visa requirements before accepting the internship.
Deadline : Dec 9, 2025
Start Your Application
Applications for this position must be completed on the recruiting organization's website.
