INTERN - ECONOMIC AFFAIRS, Economic Commission for Europe, GENEVA

Organizational Context

This internship is within the Director’s Office of the Sustainable Transport Division at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in Geneva. The UNECE promotes sustainable development and economic cooperation among its member states. The Sustainable Transport Division focuses on inland transport issues. The intern will report to the Secretary of the Inland Transport Committee (ITC), supporting its mandate and activities.

Job Purpose

The primary purpose of this internship is to provide essential support to the Sustainable Transport Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in Geneva, operating within the Director's Office. The intern will play a crucial role in the comprehensive preparation, meticulous implementation, and diligent follow-up of the 89th plenary session of the Inland Transport Committee (ITC), scheduled for February 2027. This upcoming session holds particular significance as it commemorates the ITC's eightieth anniversary, presenting a unique and valuable opportunity to not only acknowledge the Committee's remarkable historical legacy but also to strategically shape its future vision and define key priorities for the decades ahead. The intern's dedicated contribution will be instrumental in ensuring the successful execution of this high-profile event, including its vital Ministerial components, through active assistance with research, drafting official documents, managing participant invitations, and coordinating side-event organization. This role directly supports the division's overarching mandate to foster sustainable transport solutions and significantly contributes to shaping the future direction of international inland transport policy and cooperation.

Responsibilities

The intern will primarily support the comprehensive preparation, efficient implementation, and diligent follow-up of the 89th plenary session of the Inland Transport Committee (ITC). Key responsibilities encompass conducting thorough research, performing detailed analysis, and drafting essential elements for both official and informal session documents. The role involves actively assisting with the intricate invitation process for a diverse range of participants and speakers, specifically including high-level representatives from governments, various international organizations, and the private sector. The intern will also provide crucial support for the logistical organization and smooth execution of side-events, which will feature the participation of high-level UN Member States representatives and senior UN officials. Furthermore, duties extend to the preparation of impactful communication materials and the proactive management of the ITC's web and social media presence to ensure broad and effective dissemination of information. Ad hoc assistance will be provided for various activities related to the plenary session and its subsequent follow-up, including essential liaison with member state representatives and accurate meeting note-taking. The intern will also contribute significantly to the implementation of the ITC Strategy on Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Inland Transport and its initial Action Plan, complete with defined milestones, and undertake other tasks as assigned within the Director’s Office and the broader Sustainable Transport Division.

Work Experience

Professional work experience is not a mandatory requirement for this internship. However, applicants must be pursuing or have completed a university degree in a field directly relevant to the internship, such as economics, political/international affairs, international relations, business/public administration, or law. Knowledge of the transport sector, sustainable development, or climate change is considered an asset.

Skills

Communication: Clear and effective oral and written communication, active listening, tailoring language to audience, information sharing. Teamwork: Collaborative work, valuing others' input, willingness to learn, supporting group decisions, sharing credit and responsibility. Planning & Organizing: Goal development, prioritizing activities, efficient time and resource allocation, risk foresight, monitoring and adjusting plans. Computer literacy in standard software applications.

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