Economic Affairs Intern

Work LocationUN-House ESCWA Expected duration3 Months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA), through its Cluster on Conflict Prevention, Governance and Institutions, works to support Arab countries in addressing the root causes and consequences of conflict, fragility, and occupation. ESCWA promotes conflict prevention by strengthening public institutions, advancing inclusive governance, and enhancing the resilience of state structures to political, social, and economic shocks. Its work is particularly relevant in contexts affected by protracted crises, where the impact of conflict has severely constrained sustainable development. ESCWA provides technical and policy support to help countries assess and address institutional risks, design responsive governance systems, and implement forward-looking recovery strategies that contribute to peacebuilding and long-term stability. The intern will contribute to research, analytical, and support tasks aligned with the priorities of Cluster 6. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: • Conducting preliminary research and reference searches on issues related to the impact of conflict, occupation, fragility, and governance challenges on sustainable development. • Supporting data analysis and quantitative research, including the compilation, processing, and visualization of data related to public institutions, conflict impacts, and recovery trajectories. • Assisting in the preparation of datasets from national and international sources and contributing to the development of dashboards and analytical tools. • Surveying recovery and governance policy interventions undertaken by countries affected by occupation and/or conflict and preparing background notes or short reports. • Supporting the drafting of reports, policy briefs, and presentation materials, including charts, tables, and infographics. • Translating and editing publications, working papers, and online content from English to Arabic and vice versa. • Assisting with legal and internet research related to governance, administrative reform, and transitional arrangements. • Supporting communications and knowledge-sharing activities, including maintaining internal content libraries or updating digital platforms. • Performing any other related duties as assigned by the Director or Section Chief. The duration of a United Nations internship is for a minimum of two months on a full-time basis - this may be exceptionally extended for a maximum period of six months. Qualifications/special skillsTo qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met: 1. Applicants must: (a) be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent); or (c) have graduated with a university degree (as defined above); 2. Applicants must: (a) be computer literate in standard software applications. (b) have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter; and (c) have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views. No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in Arabic and English is required. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas. Additional InformationA completed online application must include, beside the mandatory Personal History Profile, a Cover Note mentioning the following: • Degree Programme (what are you currently studying?). • Graduation Date (when will you graduate or when did you graduate from the programme?). • List of the IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in. • List of your top three areas of interest. • Explanation of why you are the best candidate for this specific internship. • Explanation of your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme. In your online Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences, IT skills, and three references. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The United Nations accepts no responsibility for the medical insurance of the intern or costs arising from injury, illness or death that may occur during an internship. Therefore, upon awarding an internship, candidates will be required to sign a statement confirming their understanding and acceptance of the conditions of service. Applicants for internship must show proof of valid medical insurance coverage to cover the full period of the internship at the duty station and provide a medical certificate of good health prior to the commencement of the internship. The United Nations accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to personal effects that may occur during the internship. This position allows for flexible working arrangements, contingent upon written agreement by the receiving entity. Interns under these arrangements must commit to an equivalent of at least two months full-time work and complete their internship within six months. Intern Specific textInterns 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. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.