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 in the Asia-Pacific region. This role focuses on trade and trade policy, contributing to the development needs of least developed countries and those with special needs.
Job Purpose
This internship aims to provide participants with hands-on experience in trade and trade policy work, fostering capacity building through direct engagement with professional staff and experts. The role contributes to UN ESCAP's mission by supporting research, analysis, training, and advisory services for governments in the Asia-Pacific region. Interns will gain invaluable academic and applied skills by working on contemporary trade issues, with a focus on sustainable and inclusive development, and supporting regional dialogues and forums. The program offers opportunities for both remote and onsite participation, enhancing practical understanding of international trade dynamics and policy implications.
Responsibilities
Interns will contribute to policy research on contemporary trade issues, including digital trade, e-commerce, global value chains, and trade agreements, focusing on their impact on sustainable development. Key duties involve conducting literature analysis, drafting background documents and policy notes, and preparing presentations and training materials. Support will be provided for data-related tasks, such as identifying sources, collecting and analyzing data, and maintaining databases. Additionally, interns will assist in editing and formatting papers and supporting the organization of online or onsite events like seminars and meetings, including related administrative and communication tasks.
Work Experience
Work experience is optional for this internship. However, relevant experience through study, work, or research in international trade, development policies, international law, data management, data analysis, or programming (e.g., Excel, R, Python) may be advantageous. Experience in regulatory or trade agreement analysis, and strong drafting or communication skills are also beneficial.
Skills
Communication (drafting, written and oral English), Teamwork, Client Orientation, Planning & Organizing, Data Management, Data Analysis, Programming (Excel, R, Python), Regulatory Analysis, Trade Agreement Analysis, Media and Communication Skills.