Gain UN Experience: Everything You Need to Know About the UNCTAD Internship Program for 2024

Are you a young graduate looking to gain valuable experience in international trade and development?

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Internship Program 2024 offers an excellent opportunity to kickstart your career at one of the world’s leading international organizations.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the UNCTAD internship program, including eligibility requirements, application process, what to expect, and tips for a successful application.

Read on to learn how you can take your first steps towards a rewarding career in global trade and development.

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What is UNCTAD?

Gain UN Experience: Everything You Need to Know About the UNCTAD Internship Program for 2024

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is a permanent intergovernmental body established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1964. UNCTAD is the part of the UN Secretariat dealing with trade, investment, and development issues.

The organization’s goals are to:

• Maximize the trade, investment and development opportunities of developing countries
• Help them face challenges arising from globalization
• Integrate into the world economy on an equitable basis

UNCTAD carries out three key functions:

1. It functions as a forum for intergovernmental deliberations aimed at consensus building.
2. It undertakes research, policy analysis and data collection.
3. It provides technical assistance tailored to the specific requirements of developing countries.

Overview of the UNCTAD Internship Program

The UNCTAD Internship Program provides a unique opportunity for graduate students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in the work of the United Nations in the areas of trade, investment, finance and technology.

Some key points about the program:

• Duration: 2-6 months
• Location: Geneva, Switzerland (UNCTAD headquarters) or regional offices
• Unpaid position
• Full-time commitment (40 hours per week)
• Open to students enrolled in a graduate program or in their final year of undergraduate studies

The program aims to provide interns with:

• Exposure to the work of UNCTAD and the UN system
• Opportunity to apply knowledge and skills in a practical work environment
• Professional experience in an international setting
• Understanding of UNCTAD’s mandate and work in trade and development

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the UNCTAD Internship Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be enrolled in a graduate degree program (second university degree or higher) OR be in the final year of a bachelor’s degree program
• Be no older than 30 years of age
• Have a strong academic background and be in good academic standing
• Demonstrate interest in the field of trade and development
• Be fluent in English (knowledge of other UN official languages is an asset)
• Have strong computer skills
• Be able to work full-time for 2-6 months

Additionally, applicants must:

• Not be related to a UNCTAD staff member (child, sibling, etc.)
• Have a valid visa or work permit for Switzerland if not a Swiss citizen
• Be able to arrange and finance travel and accommodation

Available Internship Areas

UNCTAD offers internship opportunities across its various divisions and branches. Some of the key areas include:

• Division on Investment and Enterprise
• Division on International Trade and Commodities
• Division for Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes
• Division on Technology and Logistics
• Division on Globalization and Development Strategies
• Office of the Secretary-General

Specific internship positions may focus on areas like:

• Economic research and analysis
• Policy formulation
• Technical cooperation projects
• Conference logistics and organization
• Communications and outreach
• Information technology

Application Process

The application process for the UNCTAD Internship Program involves the following steps:

1. Check eligibility: Carefully review the eligibility requirements to ensure you qualify.

• Prepare required documents: You’ll need to submit:Updated CV/resume
• Cover letter
• Copy of university degree(s) or current enrollment certificate
• Two letters of recommendation

1. Complete online application: Applications are submitted through the UN Careers Portal (careers.un.org). Create an account if you don’t have one.
2. Search for UNCTAD internship openings: Use keywords like “UNCTAD” and “internship” to find relevant positions.
3. Submit application: Complete all required fields and upload supporting documents.
4. Assessment: Qualified candidates may be contacted for a phone/video interview.
5. Selection: Successful candidates will be notified and provided with internship offer details.
6. Visa and travel arrangements: Selected interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and making travel plans.

Important: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. It’s recommended to apply 3-6 months before your desired start date.

What to Expect During Your Internship

If selected for the UNCTAD Internship Program, here’s what you can expect:

Orientation

You’ll receive an orientation to familiarize you with UNCTAD’s work, structure, and procedures. This may include:

• Overview of UNCTAD’s mandate and key focus areas
• Introduction to your assigned division/team
• Administrative procedures and policies
• IT systems and tools used

Work Assignments

Interns are assigned to a specific division or office and work under the supervision of a staff member. Typical tasks may include:

• Conducting research on trade and development issues
• Assisting in the preparation of reports and publications
• Supporting the organization of meetings and conferences
• Drafting correspondence and briefing notes
• Updating databases and websites
• Attending lectures, meetings, and conferences

Learning Opportunities

The internship provides various learning opportunities:

• Exposure to the work of an international organization
• Insight into global trade and development issues
• Networking with professionals in the field
• Participation in training sessions and workshops
• Attendance at UNCTAD events and conferences

Evaluation

At the end of your internship, you’ll receive a performance evaluation from your supervisor. This can be valuable for future job applications.

Tips for a Successful Application

To increase your chances of being selected for the UNCTAD Internship Program, consider these tips:

1. Tailor your application: Highlight experiences and skills relevant to UNCTAD’s work.
2. Demonstrate knowledge: Show familiarity with UNCTAD’s mandate and current projects.
3. Emphasize language skills: Proficiency in multiple UN languages is an asset.
4. Showcase relevant coursework: Highlight classes related to international trade, economics, or development.
5. Highlight international experience: Any study abroad, volunteer work, or internships abroad can be beneficial.
6. Be flexible: Willingness to work in different areas can increase your chances.
7. Follow instructions carefully: Ensure all required documents are submitted and guidelines are followed.
8. Apply early: Positions can be competitive, so apply well in advance of your desired start date.

Conclusion

The UNCTAD Internship Program offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international trade and development at a leading UN organization.

While unpaid and competitive, the program provides invaluable exposure to global issues and can be a stepping stone to a career in international organizations.

By carefully preparing your application, highlighting relevant skills and experiences, and demonstrating a genuine interest in UNCTAD’s work, you can increase your chances of being selected for this prestigious internship opportunity.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Visit the UN Careers Portal to search for UNCTAD internship openings and submit your application today!

Additional Resources

To learn more about UNCTAD and prepare for your internship application, check out these resources:

• UNCTAD Official Website
• UNCTAD YouTube Channel
• UN Careers Portal
• UNCTAD Digital Library
• UNCTAD Statistics Database

Good luck with your application, and we hope to see you contributing to UNCTAD’s important work in the near future!