INTERN - ECONOMIC AFFAIRS, Economic Commission for Europe, GENEVA

The internship is located in the Director’s Office of the Sustainable Transport Division, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe based in Geneva. The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Secretary of the Inland Transport Committee (ITC). The intern is expected to contribute to the work of the Sustainable Transport Division as follows:

The 89th plenary session of ITC will take place in Geneva from 9-12 February 2027. The 2027 session will be a particularly significant occasion, as it marks the eightieth anniversary of ITC, which offers a unique opportunity to not only celebrate the Committee's remarkable legacy, but also to shape its vision and priorities for the decades ahead.

Under the supervision of the Secretary of ITC, and in close cooperation with the team in the Director’s Office and colleagues in the Sustainable Transport Division, the intern will support the preparation, implementation and follow-up of the 89th plenary session of ITC, including its Ministerial components, and is expected to:

• Assist with research, analysis and drafting elements for official and informal documents of the plenary session;
• Assist with the invitation of participants and speakers, including high-level participants/speakers from governments, other international organizations and the private sector;
• Support the organization of side-events with participation of high-level representatives of UN Member States and Senior UN officials;
• Assist with the preparation of communication materials and the management of the ITC web and social media presence;
• Provide ad hoc assistance to other activities related to the preparation and follow-up of the ITC plenary session and its side-events, including liaising with representatives of member States, taking notes, etc.;
• Provide support to the implementation of the ITC Strategy on Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Inland Transport and its initial Action Plan with milestones;
• Assist with other tasks in the Director’s office and the Sustainable Transport Division.

Competencies

• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages 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 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 group 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.

Qualifications/special skills

To qualify for the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met:

• Applicants to the United Nations internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements: (a) Be enrolled in 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 level or equivalent).
• Be computer literate in standard software applications;
• For this internship, studies in economics, political/international affairs, international relations, business/public administration, law, or similar are required;
• Knowledge of the transport sector, sustainable development and/or climate change will be considered an asset.
• Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter;
• Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship, fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of French or Russian is desirable.