INTERN - ECONOMIC AFFAIRS (TRADE POLICY)

Organizational Context

The United Nations ESCAP, specifically the Trade Policy and Facilitation Section within the Trade, Investment and Innovation Division, seeks interns to support its mandate of providing evidence, training, and policy guidance to governments and stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region. This role focuses on trade and trade policy, with a particular emphasis on the development needs of least developed countries.

Job Purpose

This internship aims to provide interns with hands-on experience in trade and trade policy work, contributing to the UN ESCAP's mission. Interns will gain practical skills by supporting research, analysis, and capacity-building initiatives for policymakers and researchers. The role involves assisting in the delivery of advisory services, organizing regional dialogues, and focusing on trade-related issues that impact sustainable and inclusive development in the Asia-Pacific region. This learning-by-doing opportunity is designed to build capacity and offer direct experience working with professional staff and experts in the field.

Responsibilities

Interns will contribute to policy research on contemporary trade issues, including digital trade, e-commerce, global value chains, and trade agreements, analyzing their implications for sustainable development. Key duties involve conducting literature reviews, drafting background documents and policy notes, and supporting the preparation of presentations and training materials. Responsibilities also include assisting with data collection, analysis, and database maintenance, as well as editing and formatting papers. Furthermore, interns will support the organization of online and onsite events such as seminars, training sessions, and meetings, encompassing substantive, administrative, and communication tasks.

Work Experience

Work experience is optional for this internship. However, candidates with relevant experience in international trade or development policies, trade-related or international laws, data management, data analysis, programming (e.g., Excel, R, Python), regulatory analysis, or trade agreement analysis may be given priority. Excellent English drafting skills and strong media/communication skills are also advantageous.

Skills

Communication (drafting, written and oral English), Teamwork, Client Orientation, Planning & Organizing, Data Management, Data Analysis, Programming (Excel, R, Python), Research, Policy Analysis, Event Organization, Media and Communication.

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