The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development UNCTAD Remote Economic Research Internships. Open to students and recent graduates worldwide, this fully remote opportunity offers hands-on experience in international trade, sustainable development, and economic policy research. Deadline: 17 November 2025.
Overview
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has officially launched the 2026 Economic Affairs Internship Programme, providing aspiring economists, researchers, and policy analysts with the opportunity to gain real-world experience in global trade and sustainable development.
This fully remote internship is ideal for students and recent graduates eager to contribute to international economic policy while developing advanced research and analytical skills under the mentorship of UN experts.
The internship will be hosted by the Productive Capacities and Sustainable Development Branch (PCSD) within UNCTAD’s Division for Africa, Least Developed Countries, and Special Programmes (ALDC). Selected interns will support projects focused on boosting productive capacities, enhancing trade competitiveness, and advancing sustainable economic growth in developing regions.
For more opportunities like these, be sure to follow us on Facebook, join our WhatsApp Group and Channel, and connect with us on LinkedIn.
About UNCTAD
Established in 1964, UNCTAD is a permanent body of the United Nations focused on helping developing countries integrate into the global economy. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, UNCTAD works to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth by addressing issues related to:
- Trade and market access
- Investment and enterprise development
- Technology and innovation
- Sustainable industrialization and productive capacity building
- Macroeconomic and financial policy
Through its research and technical assistance, UNCTAD supports governments, institutions, and communities in achieving the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
UNCTAD Remote Economic Research Internships
Internship Details
- Position Title: Economic Affairs Research Intern
- Organization: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
- Division: Productive Capacities and Sustainable Development Branch (PCSD), ALDC Division
- Duration: 5 January 2026 – 4 April 2026 (3 months)
- Location: Remote or In-Person (Geneva, Switzerland)
- Application Deadline: 17 November 2025
- Compensation: Unpaid
- Work Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
Internship Focus Areas
Interns will contribute to research and analysis supporting UNCTAD’s work in:
- Productive capacity development in African and least developed countries
- Sustainable agricultural value chains and blue economy initiatives
- Industrialization and value addition strategies in Southern Africa
- Economic policy research related to trade, investment, and development
- Preparation of national productive capacities gap assessments
Interns will work closely with UNCTAD economists and policy specialists to prepare research summaries, contribute to technical papers, and assist in drafting reports that inform policymaking in developing nations.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of a Programme Management Officer, the intern will:
- Assist with technical assistance programmes for developing countries.
- Contribute to data collection, economic analysis, and country studies.
- Prepare research briefs and background documents for ongoing UNCTAD projects.
- Participate in virtual meetings, policy discussions, and capacity-building sessions.
- Support the preparation of country-level and regional economic reports.
Remote Work Requirements
This internship allows full remote participation, enabling global candidates to work from anywhere.
Interns must have access to:
- A personal computer with updated software (Windows recommended)
- Reliable internet access
- Microsoft Office 365 or equivalent software
- Basic cybersecurity measures (firewall, password manager, etc.)
For those opting for in-person internships, valid visas and personal insurance are required.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria at the time of application:
Education
- Enrolled in or recently completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in:
- Economics
- Development Studies
- International Relations
- Political Science
- Law
- Public Policy or related social sciences
Skills and Competencies
- Excellent command of English (spoken and written); knowledge of French or Portuguese is an asset.
- Strong analytical, research, and writing skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and online collaboration tools.
- Demonstrated interest in international development and the mission of the United Nations.
Experience
No prior professional experience is required; academic research or volunteer work in related fields is advantageous.
Selection Process
The selection process includes:
- Online Application via the UN Careers Portal
- Pre-screening by the UNCTAD Internship Office
- Interview or written test (if shortlisted)
- Final selection and submission of internship agreement
Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
- A Personal History Profile (PHP) via the UN Careers Portal
- A Cover Letter including:
- Degree title and expected or actual graduation date
- Relevant skills and software proficiency
- Motivation for applying and suitability for the role
- Contact details for three references
APPLY NOW
For more opportunities like these, be sure to follow us on Facebook, join our WhatsApp Group and Channel, and connect with us on LinkedIn.
Related Posts
- UNICEF Climate Resilience Internship 2026 – Paid Global Opportunity for Graduates
- World Bank Summer Internship Program 2025 – Fully Funded
- UNDP Research Fellowship 2025 – Global Opportunities for Graduates
- Gates Foundation Internship Program 2025 – Apply for Global Roles
Key Dates
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 17 November 2025 |
| Start Date | 5 January 2026 |
| End Date | 4 April 2026 |
| Mode of Work | Remote or Geneva, Switzerland |
| Work Hours | 40 hours/week |
| Stipend | Unpaid |
| Application Link | careers.un.org |
Learning Opportunities
Interns gain:
- Direct exposure to UN research and policymaking in global development.
- Mentorship from UNCTAD economists and international experts.
- Insight into economic and trade policy formulation.
- Enhanced research, analytical, and data management skills.
- A valuable professional network within the UN system.
Important Information
- The internship is unpaid, and all living expenses must be covered by the intern or their sponsoring institution.
- Interns are not eligible for employment with the UN for at least six months after completion of the internship.
- Relatives of UN staff (children or siblings) are not eligible to apply.
- UNCTAD does not charge any fees at any stage of recruitment.
Why You Should Apply
The UNCTAD 2026 internship offers a unique platform to:
- Develop practical experience in international economic analysis.
- Contribute to sustainable development research at a global level.
- Work alongside international experts and policymakers.
- Build a foundation for a future career in global trade, economics, or development.
- Participate from anywhere in the world through fully remote access.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the internship paid?
No. UN internships are unpaid, but they offer extensive professional learning benefits.
2. Who is eligible to apply?
Students in their final year of a bachelor’s program, master’s students, or recent graduates (within 12 months).
3. Can I work remotely?
Yes. The 2026 UNCTAD internship offers a fully remote option for international applicants.
4. What skills are most valued?
Strong research, writing, and analytical skills; data proficiency; and the ability to work independently.
5. Do I need work experience?
No prior experience is required. Academic and volunteer experience in economics or development is sufficient.
6. How can I apply?
Visit careers.un.org and search Job Opening ID: 266804 to submit your application.
Summary
| Program Name | UNCTAD Economic Affairs Research Internship 2026 |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | United Nations Conference on Trade and Development |
| Location | Remote or Geneva, Switzerland |
| Duration | 3 Months (Jan–Apr 2026) |
| Eligibility | Students and recent graduates in Economics, Development, or related fields |
| Deadline | 17 November 2025 |
| Compensation | Unpaid |
| Apply Online | careers.un.org |
Final Thoughts
The UNCTAD Economic Affairs Research Internship 2026 provides a rare opportunity to participate in meaningful international research and policy analysis. Whether conducted remotely or in Geneva, this internship will strengthen your global perspective and enhance your future career in international development, economics, or trade diplomacy.
If you’re ready to learn from global experts and contribute to UNCTAD’s mission of building equitable and sustainable economies—apply now before 17 November 2025.
Keywords: UNCTAD Internship 2026, UN Remote Internships, Economic Affairs Intern, United Nations Careers, UNCTAD Research Internship, Global Development Internships, International Economics Internships, UN Geneva Internships 2026, UN Opportunities for Students 2026, Sustainable Development Research Internships.
