Economic Commission for Europe

for the UNECE/ECTD

Duty station: 🇨🇭 Geneva, Switzerland
Country / area: Switzerland
Region: Europe
UN system: Regional Commission
Level: I-1
Category: Internship
Job family: Economic Affairs
Posted: May 27, 2026
Closes: Jun 17, 2026 in 12 days Source: 05:59, Jun 17, 2026 Europe/Zurich

About this role

The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) invites applications for a 6-month internship position in Geneva, starting 1 July 2026. The intern will support the Cooperation and Partnerships Section within the Economic Cooperation and Trade Division, focusing on the United Nations Development Account project 'Leveraging trade for a just and green transition in the Central Asia, Southern Caucasus and Western Balkans sub-regions'. Key responsibilities include assisting in analytical studies on sustainable and digital trade facilitation in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, conducting desk research and data collection, engaging with trade stakeholders, and developing policy recommendations, presentations, and communication materials. The role also involves supporting research on digital connectivity and trade facilitation, preparing briefing papers, and contributing to communications and outreach efforts including social media. The internship offers valuable experience in international development, trade policy, and sustainable development initiatives.

Key requirements

Enrolment in graduate school or final academic year of bachelor's program
Academic background in international relations, international law, economics or related fields
Fluency in English

Nice to have

Experience in research, policy analysis, communication or event organization
Working knowledge of Russian
Interest in digital connectivity and trade facilitation

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Requirements at a glance

Distilled by AI from the posting

Min. experience: No prior professional work experience is required for participation in the Internship Programme.
Required degree: Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications at the time of application: enrolment in graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); enrolment in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (Bachelor's level or equivalent); possession of a university degree, as defined above.
Languages: English

Work Location

Geneva

Expected duration

6 months (1 July - 31 December 2026)

Duties and Responsibilities

The internship position is located in the Economic Cooperation and Trade Division, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe based in Geneva. The intern is expected to contribute to the work of the Cooperation and Partnerships Section, Economic Cooperation and Trade Division, and specifically to the activities of the United Nations Development Account project “Leveraging trade for a just and green transition in the Central Asia, Southern Caucasus and Western Balkans sub-regions”. The internship is expected to support the activities related to enhancing capacity of the project target countries to harness digital trade facilitation and transition to a more just gender-responsive green economy, as follows: • Assist in the development and implementation of analytical studies related to sustainable and digital trade facilitation in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The studies will assess socio-economic needs in target countries and offer targeted country-specific recommendations to harness digital trade for addressing climate change, including through input into national sustainable and digital trade facilitation roadmaps. • Undertake desk research, data collection and contribute to interviews with trade stakeholders in target countries. • Contribute to the development of country-specific policy recommendations, presentations, briefing note, knowledge products and communication materials related to the project outputs. Then intern will also perform other related duties as required, compatible with the tasks outlined above, such as: • Provide research assistance on issues related to digital connectivity and trade facilitation including preparation of speaking notes, concept notes, briefing papers. • Offer general communications and outreach assistance, including through social media platforms.

Qualifications/special skills

Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications at the time of application: • enrolment in graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); • enrolment in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (Bachelor's level or equivalent); • possession of a university degree, as defined above. Additional prerequisites include: • academic background in international relations, international law, economics or related fields; • a deep and demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; • an interest in the Division's key areas of expertise, including digital connectivity and trade facilitation. • proficiency in standard software applications; • proven ability to successfully engage with individuals of diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, showing an openness to try and understand and respect differing opinions and views. We welcome applicants from all countries, with special encouragement for candidate from under-represented or un-represented countries in the UN to apply. No prior professional work experience is required for participation in the Internship Programme. Experience in research, policy analysis, communication or event organization related to trade, transport, sustainability or digitalization is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of Russian is desirable.

Additional Information

Not available.

Intern Specific text

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

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