Application Guide
How to Apply for Intern, Economic Affairs
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 and the Pacific, uniquely positioned to address economic and social challenges across 53 member states. Working here offers direct exposure to multilateral policymaking and the opportunity to contribute to sustainable development goals in one of the world's most dynamic regions.
About This Role
This internship focuses on trade facilitation and policy research specifically for Asia-Pacific economies, providing hands-on experience with UN economic analysis methodologies. You'll directly support projects that influence regional economic cooperation and development strategies.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve analyzing trade data from Asia-Pacific countries using statistical software, drafting sections of a policy brief on trade facilitation, and participating in virtual team meetings with colleagues across different time zones. You could also attend online workshops on regional economic cooperation and contribute to data visualization for presentations.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who ESCAP - Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Is Looking For
- Currently pursuing or recently completed a master's in economics with coursework in international trade or development economics
- Has experience with statistical software (Stata, R, or Python) for economic data analysis
- Demonstrates understanding of Asia-Pacific economic issues through academic work or previous research
- Shows cross-cultural communication skills through international experiences or multilingual abilities
📝 Tips for Applying to ESCAP - Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
Highlight any coursework or projects specifically related to Asia-Pacific economies or trade policy
Include examples of economic data analysis using specific software mentioned in your resume
Reference ESCAP's recent publications like the 'Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific' to show familiarity
Emphasize any experience working in multicultural teams, especially in virtual environments
Tailor your application to mention ESCAP's specific thematic areas like digital trade or sustainable development
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Specific interest in Asia-Pacific economic development and ESCAP's role in regional cooperation", "Demonstrated research skills with examples of economic analysis you've conducted", 'Experience with data collection and analysis relevant to trade or development economics', 'Ability to contribute to a multicultural team in a remote UN setting']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → ESCAP's current flagship projects like the Asia-Pacific Trade and Investment Report
- → The specific division or section within ESCAP focusing on trade facilitation
- → Recent ESCAP resolutions or meetings related to economic cooperation
- → UN competencies and values, especially for internship positions
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic applications that don't mention ESCAP or Asia-Pacific specifically
- Overemphasis on macroeconomic theory without practical research examples
- Failure to address how you'd contribute to a multicultural UN environment
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
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!