INTERN - ECONOMIC AFFAIRS (3 Positions) [Temporary]

The Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) is offering an internship for a maximum duration of six months. The Internship is located in the OES at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Addis Ababa. Interns work five days per week under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned. The UNECA is mandated to promote the economic and social development of its member States, foster intraregional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa's development. To find out more about UNECA, please go to www.uneca.org.

Established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations (UN) in 1958 as one of the UN's five regional commissions, ECA's mandate is to promote the economic and social development of its member States, foster intra-regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa's development. Made up of 54 member States, and playing a dual role as a regional arm of the UN and as a key component of the African institutional landscape, ECA is well positioned to make unique contributions to address the Continent's development challenges. The strategic objective of ECA is framed around delivering ideas and actions for an empowered, inclusive and transformed Africa in the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063 of the African Union through its three core functions, namely, its function as a think tank, its convening function and its operational function.

This position is located in the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) at the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Chief of Staff and within delegated authority, the incumbent will carry out the following functions:

•Assist with compiling information and undertake research on a macroeconomic, trade, social and development policy issues of relevance to the African context, including inclusive growth, debt management, regional integration, digitalization, urbanization, climate change etc, to inform the work of the Executive Secretary;
•Assist with the preparation of the Executive Secretary’s missions and meetings, including compilation of talking points, power points info graphics, and and follow ups;
•Assist with organizing and convening meetings, including attending to all relevant preparations;
•Perform other duties as might be assigned by the supervisor.

Professionalism:

Ability to provide independent evaluations and analyze statistical data. Ability to prepare reports. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

Communication:

Speaks and writes clearly and effectively Listens to others, correctly interprets mess ages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication
Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed

Teamwork:

Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals
Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others
Places team agenda before personal agenda Supports and acts in accordance with final gro up decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings

Planning & Organizing:

Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary Uses time efficiently

To qualify for an internship under the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met:
1) Applications must meet one of the following educational requirements: (a) be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); or (c) have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation;
2) Be computer literate in standard software applications;
3) Have a demonstrated and keen interest in the work of t he United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and
4) Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes a willingness to understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the United Nations Internship Programme.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required for the United Nations Internship Programme. Knowledge of another United Nations language will be considered an asset.

Potential candidates will be contacted by the hiring manager directly for further consideration.

The internship is UNPAID and full time. Interns work five days per week under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned.

Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and /or illness incurred during an internship. Therefore, upon awarding an internship, candidates will be required to sign a statement confirming their understanding and acceptance of the condition of service.

A completed online application (including Cover Note and Personal History Profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
The Cover Note must include:
•Degree Programme (what are you currently studying?);
•Graduation date (when will you or when did you graduate from the programme?);
•List the IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in;
•List your top three areas of interest;
•Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship;
•Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme;
In your Personal History Profile, be sure to include all your past work experiences, IT skills, and three references. Due to the high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted. Please note that this is an on-going advertisement. Successful candidates may be contacted at any time during the posting period or shortly thereafter.

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

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.