UN Affairs and International Trade Centre Intern (Start ASAP)

Duties and Responsibilities

Background

The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint development assistance agency of the United Nations (UN) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). ITC is the only international agency fully dedicated to the development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises through aid for trade. Working with partners to strengthen the competitiveness of MSME exporters, ITC helps to build vibrant, sustainable export sectors that provide entrepreneurial opportunities, particularly for women, youth and vulnerable communities. ITC’s representative office to the United Nations in New York works to: raise the visibility of trade as a driver of inclusive growth and sustainable development; deepen ITC's partnerships within and beyond the UN system; and raise the profile of ITC at the UN headquarters.

Description of Duties/Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Head of the ITC Office to the United Nations in New York, the selected intern will:

• Undertake research and policy analysis on trade and international development issues in ITC priority areas, especially the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• Track intergovernmental meetings on trade and economic development issues, including entrepreneurship, green and resilient economic recovery, women’s economic empowerment, and other topics in ITC priority areas.
• Support ITC engagement with Permanent Missions of Member States to the United Nations: analyzing country information, identifying development programme activities related to ITC strategic priorities.
• Contribute to talking points, meeting notes, and reports relevant to ITC’s priority areas.
• Provide administration and communication support (including social media).
• Assist in the planning and hosting of events.
• Undertake any additional duties as required.

Learning Elements

1. Gain meaningful work experience in the area of trade-related technical assistance aimed to expand their academic, professional and personal learning.
2. Gain experience in the work of ITC and deepen knowledge and understanding of ITC’s goals, mission and their concrete implementation.
3. Participate in virtual conferences and workshops related to United Nations & 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
4. Acquire a clear understanding of ITC’s mission and activities, and the role of the New York office in corporate communications & visibility, partnerships and programme support. ITC Internship programme encourages applications from nationals of UN Programme countries, especially from countries with least developed economies, small island states and fragile states, and who are graduates (or meet the education requirements) from universities in one of these countries (or when graduates from other countries, were in receipt of a scholarship that covered at least 50% of the school fees).

Qualifications/special skills

Applicants to the programme shall, at the time of application, meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent);
• Have graduated with a university degree (as defined in a or b above) and, if selected, shall commence the internship within one year of graduation. Computer literate and familiarity with Microsoft Office. Good communication skills, particularly in writing. Knowledge of and interest in the United Nations development system.

Languages

Good working knowledge of English, other UN languages are a bonus.

Intern Specific text

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.