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, shaping global development agendas through evidence-based research. Working here offers direct exposure to international policymaking and the chance to contribute to publications like the World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) that influence governments worldwide. The Global Economic Monitoring Branch provides a unique vantage point on global economic trends and UN policy formulation.

About This Role

This internship involves supporting the WESP 2027 preparation through quantitative research on macroeconomic topics and assisting with expert group meetings. You'll work directly in the core team analyzing global economic data that informs UN policy recommendations. This role offers hands-on experience with flagship UN publications that shape international economic discourse.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing macroeconomic datasets using Stata for WESP sections, attending team meetings to discuss research findings, and preparing materials for upcoming expert consultations. You could be drafting research inputs one hour and coordinating logistics for a policy seminar the next, all while working alongside UN economists on global economic monitoring.

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Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

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

  • A graduate student or recent graduate in economics with strong econometric skills, particularly in Stata, EViews, or R
  • Someone with demonstrated ability to conduct both quantitative analysis and qualitative policy research on macroeconomic issues
  • A detail-oriented researcher who can support publication production while assisting with logistics for expert meetings
  • An excellent communicator in English who can synthesize complex economic data for policy audiences

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

1

Highlight specific experience with econometric software mentioned (Stata, EViews, or R) and provide examples of economic research projects

2

Demonstrate knowledge of current global economic issues that would be relevant to WESP 2027 preparations

3

Show familiarity with UN publications by referencing specific WESP reports or DESA policy briefs

4

Emphasize both research capabilities AND logistical/organizational skills needed for seminar support

5

Connect your academic background directly to macroeconomic policy analysis rather than just general economics

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience with statistical software and specific economic research projects', 'Understanding of current global economic challenges relevant to WESP', 'Ability to balance substantive research with logistical support tasks', "Why you're specifically interested in UN economic policy work versus other economic research roles"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read the last 2-3 WESP reports to understand the structure, analysis, and policy recommendations
  • → Review DESA's Economic Analysis and Policy Division publications and current focus areas
  • → Study the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and how economic analysis supports them
  • → Research the Global Economic Monitoring Branch's specific contributions to recent UN economic reports

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a macroeconomic research project you've conducted and the methodologies used
2 How would you approach analyzing data for a specific section of the WESP report?
3 What current global economic trends do you think will be most important for WESP 2027?
4 How have you used Stata/EViews/R in previous research, and what challenges did you encounter?
5 How would you support both the research and logistical aspects of an expert group meeting?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with only theoretical economics knowledge without demonstrated research/software skills
  • Generic application that doesn't reference specific UN publications or DESA's work
  • Focusing only on research aspects while ignoring the logistical support responsibilities

📅 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!

Ready to Apply?

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

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