Application Guide

How to Apply for Economic Affairs Intern

at ESCAP - Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

🏢 About ESCAP - Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

ESCAP is the UN's regional development arm for Asia-Pacific, uniquely positioned to influence economic policy across 53 member states. Working here means contributing to high-level intergovernmental processes and sustainable development solutions that directly shape the region's future.

About This Role

This internship supports ESCAP's macroeconomic policy and sustainable finance work, including research on monetary/fiscal policy, tax cooperation, and econometric analysis. You'll also help design capacity-building workshops for government stakeholders on green bonds, blended finance, and SDG financing frameworks—making a tangible impact on regional policy.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start by cleaning and analyzing macroeconomic data in Stata for a policy brief, then join a team meeting to discuss upcoming workshops. Later, you could draft a section of a capacity-building module on green bonds or coordinate logistics with regional stakeholders. The work is collaborative, research-intensive, and directly supports ESCAP's mission.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who ESCAP - Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Is Looking For

  • Currently enrolled in or recently completed a graduate programme (or final year of bachelor's) in economics, finance, or a related field.
  • Proficient in statistical software like Stata, R, or SPSS, with hands-on experience in econometric analysis and data visualization.
  • Familiar with Asia-Pacific macroeconomic issues and sustainable finance instruments (green bonds, blended finance, INFFs).
  • Strong written communication skills, able to draft policy briefs and capacity-building materials for diverse stakeholders.

📝 Tips for Applying to ESCAP - Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

1

Tailor your CV to highlight econometric projects and any experience with monetary/fiscal policy or sustainable finance—quantify results where possible.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly reference ESCAP's recent publications or initiatives (e.g., the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific) to show genuine interest.

3

If you have experience with green bonds or blended finance, provide concrete examples of analysis or workshop coordination you've contributed to.

4

Demonstrate regional knowledge: mention specific Asia-Pacific countries or subregions in your application to show you understand ESCAP's scope.

5

Since the internship is unpaid, briefly explain your motivation for seeking this opportunity and how it aligns with your career goals in development economics.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

Emphasize your quantitative skills (Stata/R/SPSS) and how you've applied them to policy-relevant research. Highlight any experience with sustainable finance tools or capacity-building. Show awareness of ESCAP's mandate and how your background can support their macroeconomic and SDG financing work. Convey your ability to work remotely and collaborate with a multicultural team.

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review ESCAP's recent flagship reports, such as the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific and the Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report.
  • → Explore ESCAP's work on sustainable finance, including the Innovative Financing for Development and the Asia-Pacific Green Deal.
  • → Understand the structure of ESCAP's Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division, and identify current projects or themes that interest you.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key regional economic issues, such as debt sustainability, tax cooperation, and digital finance trends in Asia-Pacific.
Visit ESCAP - Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach analyzing the impact of monetary policy tightening on fiscal space in a developing Asia-Pacific economy?
2 Describe a time you used econometrics to evaluate a policy or financial instrument. What data and methods did you use?
3 What do you see as the biggest challenges in scaling up green bonds in the Asia-Pacific region?
4 How would you design a capacity-building workshop on blended finance for government officials with varying levels of expertise?
5 Why are you interested in an unpaid internship at ESCAP, and how does it fit into your longer-term career plans?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application that doesn't mention ESCAP or sustainable finance—show you've done your homework.
  • Overlooking the unpaid nature of the internship; avoid implying you expect compensation or are unaware of the commitment.
  • Failing to demonstrate quantitative skills; this role requires data analysis, so not providing evidence of software proficiency is a major weakness.

📅 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 ESCAP - Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific!

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