About this role

The International Trade Centre (ITC) is the joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. ITC provides technical assistance and capacity-building to policymakers, the private sector, and trade and investment support institutions, helping them leverage trade as a driver of sustainable growth and employment.

ITC contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by connecting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to global value chains. By fostering export success in developing countries, ITC supports the creation of sustainable livelihoods and incomes—particularly for women and youth—while integrating environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

About the internship

The Office of Africa (OA) is seeking a motivated intern to support ongoing programme coordination, research, partnerships, and operational activities related to trade and development initiatives across Africa. The internship offers an opportunity to contribute to initiatives linked to trade competitiveness, digital transformation, regional integration, inclusive economic development, and stakeholder engagement in support of ITC’s broader mandate in Africa. The intern will support ongoing initiatives related to trade competitiveness, digital transformation, regional integration, inclusive economic development, and stakeholder coordination.

Description of duties/responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Chief, Office of Africa (OA), and the direct supervision of the Programme Officer, the intern will:

Conduct research and analysis on economic trends, trade policy developments, regional integration processes, and SME competitiveness in African countries.
Support stakeholder mapping and analysis related to development partners, regional institutions, private sector actors, and trade support organizations.
Research market trends, industry practices, innovation ecosystems, and policy developments relevant to trade and sustainable economic development.
Assist in the preparation of project documents, concept notes, presentations, briefing materials, and reports.
Support coordination activities related to programme implementation, partnerships, meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagement.
Contribute to knowledge management, data organization, and communication activities related to ongoing initiatives.

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

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 (as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the internship within one year of graduation.

Skills:

Excellent written communication skills.
Ability to undertake independent research and analysis, including in categorizing and organizing data.
Strong internet research skills and MS Office (Word, Excel, and Power Point).
Good knowledge of trade issues in Africa.