Economic Affairs Intern

Position description

Work Location: UNECA
Expected duration: 3 Months, with the possibility of an extension for an additional three months.

Duties and Responsibilities

This internship is in the Connectivity and Infrastructure Development Section (CIDS) of TICID at the Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The internship is full-time for three months, with possibility of extension. Interns work five days per week under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned. Applicants should demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter. An internship certificate is awarded on the recommendation of the supervisor.

The ECA is mandated to promote the economic and social development of its member States, foster intraregional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa's development.

Under the general guidance of the Officer-in-Charge of CIDS and/or the direct supervision of a responsible officer, interns will make an important contribution to the work of the Section. Activities vary according to the Section's needs, but include:

1. Assist Section officers, under their guidance, in conducting analytical research and contributing to research papers on energy, water, and data centres in Africa, including collecting information, reviewing relevant literature, organizing data, and preparing initial summaries and background notes.
2. Support Section officers in coordinating and organizing webinars by assisting with participant outreach, preparing draft agendas and background materials, helping with logistical and technical arrangements, and documenting key outcomes and follow-up action points.
3. Assist in coordinating and organizing training activities by preparing draft agendas, liaising with facilitators and partner institutions as directed, helping to arrange logistical and technical requirements, supporting session delivery, collecting participant feedback, and documenting outcomes and follow-up actions.
4. Assist Section officers in developing a guideline for data-centre development in Africa by conducting background research, reviewing international and regional good practices, compiling relevant data and case studies, and supporting consultations with member States, private-sector stakeholders, development partners, and technical experts. Under supervision, contribute to drafting, reviewing, and refining recommendations on enabling policies, digital and energy infrastructure, water use, environmental sustainability, investment, connectivity, cybersecurity, skills development, and regulatory frameworks for resilient, efficient, inclusive, and sustainable data-centre ecosystems across the continent.
5. Carry out other tasks as required by the Section and the Division.

Qualifications

Qualifications/special skills

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

• (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
• (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent).

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English is required for this internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage.

Additional Information

The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. Female candidates and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

In line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, applicants requiring reasonable accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process may contact the internship coordinator for assistance.

Women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

As per the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, do you identify as a person with a disability? If yes, please specify if you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process?

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.

Application instructions

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