Internship Programs

UNCTAD Internships

Unpaid Internships

The goal of the UNCTAD internship program is to make it possible for candidates to put into practice the knowledge acquired in their academic training and acquaint themselves with UNCTAD’s work. Hence, by participating in the internship program, you will have the opportunity to work with themes related to the promotion of economic growth in developing nations via trade integration and the attraction of external investment. Therefore, an internship in this organization will be a valuable asset to your curriculum and a great distinctive feature in future selection processes, since you will have the opportunity to know and experience the work dynamics, internal policies and routine of an international organization.

In pursuit of its mission, the OpenIGO network has prepared a comprehensive eBook and support and guidance services, with the aim of highly increasing your chances of success in these competitive processes. These services include revising your UN internships application documents (curriculum vitae/resume and cover letter) and a mock interview, as per the United Nations model. We also offer a range of packages that combine the eBook with different services.

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UN Internships – PDF eBook

UNCTAD Overview

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is a United Nations agency which aims at promoting economic growth in developing countries to make them more integrated with international trade. For that purpose, the agency forwards integration between governments, civil society and representatives of the private sector (trade and industry), coordinating policies to reduce tariff and non-tariff related obstacles to advance international commerce. Thus, UNCTAD assists countries in facing macroeconomic challenges; protects them from market fluctuations; promotes entrepreneurship and attracts external investments. Headquartered in Geneva (Switzerland), the agency has offices in New York (USA) and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia).

UNCTAD’s main focus: Promoting the integration of developing nations into global trade.

Themes addressed by the UNCTAD:

International Finance
Technology and Innovation
Trade Agreements, Trends, Regulations and Negotiations
Commodities
Private Sector and Enterprise Development

Description of the UNCTAD Internship

What are the fields of study required for the UNCTAD Internship?

This internship program includes students and recent graduates from the most diverse fields of knowledge. The areas of study with the highest demand in this program are:

Finance
Business
Economics
Communications
Information Technology
International Relations
Other related areas

What are the tasks performed by the selected for the UNCTAD Internship?

The activities performed vary according to the opening and the requirements of the different departments to which interns are allocated. However, generally speaking, the main duties are:

Provide support to administrative and operational duties;
Carry out research, collect and analyse data about relevant themes for the agency’s activities;
Help with organizing events and logistics;
Draft reports, articles and other types of documents;
Take part in training and events with other members of the agency.

What is the duration of the UNCTAD Internship?

The internship period ranges from at least 2 months to up to 6 months at most.

What is the weekly workload of the UNCTAD Internship?

The internship programs are full-time. Interns are expected to work five days a week, 40 hours a week. The general working hours are from Monday to Friday and from 09:00/09:30 to 18:00/18:30 with a one-hour lunch break.

Where are the locations of the UNCTAD Internship?

Most openings are available for the UNCTAD’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, but other opportunities may appear in the agency’s External Offices spread around the world.

When does the UNCTAD Internship start?

The initial date of the internship shall be coordinated between the intern and the organization.

Is there any feedback following the completion of the UNCTAD Internship?

At the end of the internship, the supervisor is in charge of preparing an assessment report of the intern’s performance.

Subsequent employment:

Participation in the internship is not related to future employment with the agency. During the internship period and within six months immediately after the program you will not be eligible to apply for or be appointed to any effective position. However, the work experience in the agency will be a distinctive feature in your curriculum, which may facilitate your hiring by other organizations inside or outside the UN System.

UNCTAD Internship - Salary

The internship is unpaid.

UNCTAD Internship - Requirements

What is the education requirement of the UNCTAD Internship Program?

Be enrolled in a graduate school program (Master’s or PhD), or;
Be enrolled in the last school year of an undergraduate school program (Bachelor’s level or equivalent), or;
Have graduated from an undergraduate or graduate course in the last 12 months.

What is the language requirement of the UNCTAD Internship Program?

Candidates must have proficiency in English and it is desirable that they also have knowledge of French. Knowledge of another language in the UN System (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish) will be an advantage in the selection process.

What is the age requirement of the UNCTAD Internship Program?

Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrollment.

What is the nationality requirement of the UNCTAD Internship Program?

Citizens of any nation can apply to the internship.

What are the competencies required for the UNCTAD Internship Program?

The main competencies required are: communication, teamwork, planning and organizing.

Other Requirements:

Most internships require no work experience. However, previous experiences may be an advantage in the selection process.

What are the restrictions of the UNCTAD Internship Program?

An applicant may not be a child or sibling of a United Nations staff member.
All information not officially published by UNCTAD and seen by the interns during their internship must remain confidential. That includes reports, documents, articles, publications and other types of content.
Interns will not have the benefits that UNCTAD’s full-time employees have and they do not represent the agency officially. However, they have the same obligations and rules of conduct as the agency’s workers.

UNCTAD Internship - Application process

When to apply for the UNCTAD Internship Program?

Application deadlines vary depending on the openings and the needs of the organization. Therefore, it is important to search for internship opportunities on our website and social media platforms.

How to apply for the UNCTAD Internship Program?

The application process is done via the UN Careers portal, where all openings are published. The application must be done on the Inspira Gateway and comprises the following steps:

Search for internship openings;
Register with the Inspira portal;
Fill out the profile data;
Fill out the application form.

What are the phases of the selection process for the UNCTAD Internship Program?

The selection process may vary depending on the department or office to which the intern is applying, but generally comprises the following steps:

Creating a profile and preparing an application;
Submitting the application;
Evaluation of the application;
Competency-based interview;
Selection notifications.

How is the UNCTAD Internship Program interview?

Usually, only selected applicants will be contacted for the interview, which lasts about 30 minutes and may be done via Skype or phone. The main points covered in the interview vary according to the opening and department chosen. In general, however, the questions address subjective or behavioral aspects, such as your expectations about the job, your interests in the area of expertise you are applying for and your previous experiences.

What are the documents to submit for the UNCTAD Internship Program?

Pre-recruitment documents:

Proof of Enrollment or Graduation;
Confirmation that you have read Information Circular ST/AI/A2014/1, with particular regard to children and siblings;
Secretary-General’s bulletin: Prohibition of discrimination, including acknowledgement of receipt to be signed;
Internship Contact Information.

After being selected:

Eligibility form;
Copy of passport (including page with visa if required);
Medical certificate of good health;
Proof of medical insurance (clearly indicating the coverage of the Internship period in Switzerland).

What is the evaluation criteria of the UNCTAD Internship Program?

You will be evaluated regarding your previous experience, skills and competencies, and educational background.

Other information:

It is important to submit your application in advance. Internship openings at UN Careers are removed from the portal at midnight of the deadline, New York time (GMT-5). You will not be able to modify your application after submission.

UNCTAD Internship - Costs

The agency offers no financial aid to cover costs related to preparing for or doing the internship. However, you may request financial aid from a sponsoring institution, for example, a university and/or government agency in your country.

Visa:

You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs and arrangements of obtaining the visa (if needed to do the internship).

If you are not a Swiss national and your internship is longer than three months, you will require a Carte de legitimation, which serves as a temporary residence permit. This card is necessary for obtaining a mobile phone contract or renting an apartment in Switzerland.

Insurance:

You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs of enrolling in a valid global medical insurance plan. It is also necessary to provide a Certificate of Good Health before you start the internship.

Accommodation:

You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for accommodation expenses during the internship period.

Other:

You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs and arrangements of the trip to the workplace to which you have been assigned.