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 policy-making and sustainable development initiatives that impact over 4 billion people in the region.

About This Role

This Economic Affairs internship involves supporting research and analysis on regional economic trends, sustainable development policies, and international cooperation mechanisms. You'll contribute to ESCAP's mission of fostering inclusive growth and regional connectivity through data analysis, report drafting, and collaborative projects.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing economic data from member states, drafting sections of a regional development report, participating in virtual meetings with international colleagues across time zones, and researching policy solutions for sustainable development challenges. You'll balance independent research with collaborative projects that support ESCAP's intergovernmental processes.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for ESCAP - Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

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

  • Currently pursuing a graduate degree in economics, international development, or related field with strong quantitative skills
  • Demonstrates exceptional writing ability with experience drafting policy briefs or research reports
  • Has proven experience working in multicultural teams, ideally with international exposure
  • Shows genuine interest in Asia-Pacific development issues and UN sustainable development goals

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

1

Explicitly state your availability period and emphasize if you can commit to more than 4 months (mentioned as advantageous in the posting)

2

List specific UN-relevant software skills beyond basics - mention statistical packages (Stata, R), data visualization tools, or UN document management systems

3

Tailor your top three areas of interest to ESCAP's actual divisions: think Trade & Investment, Statistics, Sustainable Development, or Transport

4

In your cover note, include a sentence about how you'll cover costs since this is an unpaid internship requiring self-funding

5

Reference specific ESCAP publications or initiatives you've researched to show genuine engagement with their work

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Demonstrate understanding of ESCAP's mandate and how economic analysis supports regional cooperation in Asia-Pacific", 'Highlight specific writing samples or research projects that show clear, concise drafting ability', 'Provide concrete examples of working successfully in diverse, multicultural teams', 'Connect your academic background to current ESCAP priorities like sustainable development or digital economy']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Study ESCAP's flagship publications like the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific
  • → Understand the specific challenges facing different subregions within ESCAP's mandate (Pacific islands vs. Southeast Asia vs. Central Asia)
  • → Research ESCAP's current strategic framework and how economic affairs supports the 2030 Agenda
  • → Review recent ESCAP resolutions or intergovernmental meetings to understand member state priorities

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you analyze the economic impact of a regional trade agreement for ESCAP member states?
2 Describe a time you had to collaborate with team members from different cultural backgrounds on a complex project
3 What specific ESCAP publication or initiative interests you most and why?
4 How would you explain complex economic data to non-technical stakeholders in a UN setting?
5 Given this is remote/onsite, how would you ensure effective communication and contribution in a virtual international team environment?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting generic application materials that don't reference ESCAP's specific work in Asia-Pacific
  • Failing to address the unpaid nature of the internship and how you'll manage associated costs
  • Overlooking the multicultural teamwork requirement - not providing concrete examples of international collaboration

📅 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!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →