JOB DESCRIPTION

Work Location

Geneva, Switzerland

Expected duration

1 March 2026 to 31 August 2026

Duties and Responsibilities

BACKGROUND: The International Trade Centre is the joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, which provides technical assistance and capacity building to policymakers, the private sector and trade and investment support organisations to help them use trade as an engine for sustainable growth and employment generation. ITC works to support the achievement of the sustainable Development Goals by connecting micro, small and medium enterprises to global value chains. By enabling small business export success in developing countries, ITC helps generate sustainable incomes and livelihoods, especially for women and youth while taking into consideration sustainable elements such as the environment and social responsibility. The Office for Asia and the Pacific (OAP) under the Division of Country Programmes (DCP), is responsible for the overall liaison and relationship management with partner countries in the Asian and Pacific region. OAP designs and implements trade-related technical assistance projects in various countries of the region, with a focus on Least Developed Countries. In addition to managing its own portfolio of projects, OAP is at the crossroads of effectively coordinating ITC projects and activities in the region to achieve synergies and impact. Throughout its work, ITC included social, economic and environmental perspectives to contribute to sustainable development. The intern will support the overall coordination, management and communication of trade-related technical assistance projects managed by OAP, including but not limited to the Trade Promotion between China and other Developing Countries along the Belt and Road Initiative project, Digital innovation accelerator for African SMEs project, Enhancing business opportunities for SMEs of Lao PDR in China project. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES Under the overall guidance of Chief of OAP and direct supervision of the Senior Programme Manager, the selected candidate is expected to:

• Conduct research and contribute to analysis on the evolving economic situation of countries in the region, with a focus on trade development trends and SME competitiveness.
• Assist in the preparation of project-related documents, including reports, workplans, presentations, promotional materials, web articles, and other communication outputs.
• Support the implementation of project activities, including the organization and coordination of meetings, trainings, workshops, and other events.
• Assist in the beneficiary selection process for project interventions, including compiling applications, preparing documentation, and supporting communication with MSMEs and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to data collection, monitoring, and reporting related to project implementation, including maintaining databases and preparing draft inputs for internal reporting.
• Collaborate closely with team members and contribute to day-to-day operational tasks to ensure the smooth delivery of project activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor to support the effective implementation of programme activities. ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender equality and gender parity and considers all qualified persons
• of all genders
• equally, including those with disabilities, without discrimination or prejudice of any kind.

Qualifications/special skills

Applicants to the programme shall, at the time of application, meet one of the following requirements: a) Be enrolled in the final academic year of the first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); or b) Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or c) Have graduated with a university degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s equivalent) and, if selected, must commence the internship within one year of graduation. In one of the following fields or similar: Economics, International Trade, International Law, International Development, Business Administration, or related fields.

Languages

Advanced knowledge of English is required. Working knowledge of Chinese is desirable. Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Excel is preferable.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Prior work (study) experience in the area of international trade would be an asset.

Additional Information

On completion of the assignment, the intern is expected to:

• Gain meaningful work experience in trade-related technical assistance, contributing to the expansion of academic, professional, and personal learning.
• Gain experience in the work of ITC and deepen their knowledge and understanding of ITC’s goals and mission.
• Gain exposure to specialized events related to the United Nations and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

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.