Intern - Economic Affairs (Trade Facilitation)

Core responsibilities include:

• Conduct background research, literature reviews, and draft inputs for ESCAP publications on trade, trade policies, regional integration, trade facilitation, paperless trade, and trade-related sustainable development issues
• Support meetings and studies related to the Framework Agreement on facilitation of cross-border paperless trade in Asia and the Pacific
• Support the UN Network of Experts for Paperless Trade and Transport in Asia and the Pacific (UNNExT) and the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA), including improving research dissemination through various channels
• Provide logistical support for training events, conferences, and meetings, and assist with section events through website and social media

This role supports ESCAP's mission to promote inclusive economic development and regional cooperation in Asia-Pacific, with particular focus on trade facilitation and sustainable development that benefits the region's least developed countries and countries with special needs.

Required qualifications and skills:

• Currently enrolled in or completed a graduate school program (second university degree or higher) OR final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level)
• Degree in Economics preferred, with backgrounds in economics, international trade, public policy, data science, or related fields
• Excellent communication skills with ability to draft clearly and concisely, with good written and oral command of English
• Strong teamwork, planning/organizing, and client orientation skills, with ability to work collaboratively across different national and cultural backgrounds

This is an UNPAID internship. Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and costs for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. The internship provides invaluable academic and applied skills development, with opportunities for research publication and professional growth within the UN system.

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is the regional development arm of the UN Secretariat, promoting inclusive economic, social and environmental development and supporting regional cooperation and integration in the Asia-Pacific region through analytical, normative and technical cooperation work.