Trade Strategy, Value Chain and Export Governance – Intern

HQ, Geneva

3 months

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. In the framework of its projects in various countries, ITC’s Strategies and Policy for Trade and Investment (DMD/SPTI) will retain the services of an intern to support the design of national, provincial and sector trade strategies, as well as research and analysis of export governance systems and value-chain development and review mechanisms. The intern will contribute to technical research and analytical work and assist in the preparation of technical reports and related strategy materials. OBJECTIVES OF THE INTERNSHIP This internship offers a suitable candidate the chance to understand and play a role in the delivery of this strategic approach to trade and export development. The candidate will gain an important insight into export development issues and strategic responses. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES Under the overall guidance of the Senior Adviser and direct supervision of the Trade Strategy Adviser, the intern will: • Conduct desk-based research and analysis on emerging issues affecting export development, competitiveness and market opportunities at country, provincial and sector levels, and provide recommendations for strengthening export performance. • Conduct research and analysis of sectoral value chains, including value-chain mapping, identification of key actors, bottlenecks, opportunities, cross-sector functions and areas for upgrading and competitiveness improvement. • Support the review of value-chain governance systems and mechanisms, including institutional arrangements, stakeholder roles, coordination structures, regulatory frameworks and mechanisms for stakeholder engagement, validation and periodic value-chain review. • Assist in reviewing and synthesizing existing value-chain studies, sector assessments and related analytical documents to identify evidence, gaps and priorities for export strategy development. • Contribute to the preparation of presentations, consultation materials and communication products, including PowerPoint presentations, news articles, social media content and infographics, to support country-level consultations and strategy initiatives. • Undertake other related research, analytical and coordination activities as required in support of ITC’s trade and export strategy development interventions. 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.

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) in international studies, business administration, international development, international law and/or economics with experience of conducting research assignments; 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 • Knowledge of, and interest in, international trade policy and relations, business development issues and export development in developing countries. Knowledge of market access issues and basic trade statistics will be considered an asset. • Experience in analysing and organising research results into structured and referenced reports. • Ability to work independently, with minimal guidance and support, to reach defined objectives • Be competent using standard Microsoft office and research tools. Good knowledge of Excel and graphic software will be considered important assets.

Advanced knowledge of English is required. Working knowledge of French is desirable.

Not available.

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.