Application Guide

How to Apply for Economic Affairs Intern

at DESA - UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs

🏢 About DESA - UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs

DESA is the UN's central hub for economic and social policy analysis, uniquely positioned to shape global development agendas through research that directly informs UN resolutions and member state policies. Working here offers unparalleled exposure to international policymaking and the opportunity to contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the highest level.

About This Role

This internship involves conducting targeted research on LDC graduation processes and country-specific economic/environmental policies, with findings directly supporting the Development Policy Branch's analytical work and meeting preparations. You'll contribute to tangible outputs that inform UN discussions on sustainable development, making this role impactful for both your professional development and global policy formulation.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning research on country-specific economic policies for an upcoming DESA briefing, followed by assisting with meeting preparations for a Development Policy Branch session, and concluding with drafting sections of a research note on LDC graduation challenges. You'd likely collaborate with economists and policy analysts while accessing UN databases and documentation systems.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who DESA - UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs Is Looking For

  • A graduate student or recent graduate in economics, development studies, or international relations with coursework focused on sustainable development or macroeconomic policy
  • Demonstrates specific research experience with the 2030 Agenda, LDC issues, or country-level policy analysis through academic projects or previous work
  • Possesses working knowledge of at least one additional UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) alongside fluent English
  • Shows genuine interest in the UN's multilateral approach to development policy rather than just generic economic research

📝 Tips for Applying to DESA - UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs

1

Explicitly mention any experience with UN documentation or frameworks (like Voluntary National Reviews for the SDGs) in your resume

2

Tailor your research sample or writing sample to include analysis related to LDC graduation or country-specific policy challenges

3

Reference specific DESA publications (like the World Economic Situation and Prospects report) in your cover letter to show familiarity with their work

4

Highlight any experience with meeting organization or dissemination of research findings, as this is explicitly mentioned in the job description

5

If you have language skills beyond English, specify your proficiency level using the UN language framework (basic, intermediate, advanced)

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Connect your academic background directly to the 2030 Agenda and LDC research priorities mentioned in the job description', "Provide a concrete example of research you've conducted that aligns with DESA's focus on country-specific policy analysis", "Express specific interest in the Development Policy Branch's work (mention their focus areas like macroeconomic policy or sustainable development)", "Demonstrate understanding of the UN's multilateral approach by referencing how your skills would contribute to intergovernmental processes"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review recent DESA publications from the Development Policy Branch, particularly those on LDC graduation and sustainable development
  • → Study the UN's most recent reports on the 2030 Agenda implementation and identify gaps or areas of focus
  • → Research the specific work of DESA's Committee for Development Policy and how it informs UN resolutions
  • → Familiarize yourself with current UN discussions on economic and social development, particularly those involving DESA

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Discuss a specific LDC graduation case study and the policy challenges involved
2 Explain how you would research a country's macroeconomic and environmental policy trade-offs
3 Describe your experience with organizing meetings or disseminating research findings to diverse audiences
4 Share your perspective on a current DESA publication related to sustainable development
5 Discuss how you would approach researching the implementation of specific SDGs in different country contexts
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting generic research samples unrelated to sustainable development or country-specific policy analysis
  • Failing to demonstrate specific knowledge of DESA's mandate versus other UN agencies
  • Overlooking the importance of meeting organization and communication aspects mentioned in the job description

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to DESA - UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs!

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