About the Organization
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is the premier regional body dedicated to fostering economic cooperation and sustainable growth across the African continent. As a key arm of the United Nations, the ECA works tirelessly to harmonize policies that drive regional integration and structural transformation. By bridging the gap between national goals and continental visions, the ECA empowers its 54 Member States to navigate the complexities of the global economy while staying true to the principles of the 2030 Agenda and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
At the heart of this mission is the Regional Integration and Trade Division (RITD). This division is a powerhouse of policy innovation, focusing on deepening regional markets, boosting intra-African investment, and accelerating industrialization. Whether it is supporting the development of the pharmaceutical sector or helping landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) find new manufacturing opportunities, the RITD is at the forefront of creating a more unified and prosperous Africa.
The ECA offers a vibrant, multicultural environment where young professionals and seasoned experts work side-by-side. The culture is one of academic rigor, collaborative spirit, and a profound commitment to the “Africa We Want.” Interning here means being part of a legacy that values evidence-based research and high-level policy dialogue, providing a window into the inner workings of international diplomacy and economic development.
We believe that the future of African economics depends on inclusive participation. The ECA is a place where diverse perspectives are celebrated, and where the next generation of African leaders is nurtured. Our teams are dedicated to creating an enabling environment that is conducive to deep regional integration and the dismantling of barriers to trade and movement across the continent.
In line with our values of equity and accessibility, the ECA explicitly encourages women and persons with disabilities to apply for this internship program. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to ensure that all talented individuals have an equal opportunity to contribute to the continent’s transformation and grow their professional skills within the United Nations system.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
The Economic Affairs Internship is a high-impact opportunity designed for emerging economists and data scientists. Based within the Regional Integration and Trade Division, this role provides direct support to the African Trade Policy Centre, the Regional Integration Section, and the Office of the Director. You will be at the center of research that informs the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a project of massive strategic importance for the continent’s economic future.
In a “day-in-the-life” of an RITD intern, you will assist with critical literature reviews and the compilation of databases that feed into major regional reports. Your work might involve researching the free movement of persons, analyzing global value chains, or investigating labor mobility and skills portability. This isn’t just administrative work; it is the data-driven foundation upon which senior officials build briefing notes, talking points, and speeches that influence continental policy.
This internship offers unparalleled professional growth opportunities. You will gain hands-on experience in the organization of expert group meetings and policy dialogues, giving you a front-row seat to high-level negotiations and strategic planning. For a student or recent graduate, there is no better place to hone your research skills, learn about international civil service, and understand the practical challenges of structural transformation in a developing context.
Your impact as an intern is tangible. By assisting in the preparation of briefing materials and research databases, you help ensure that the ECA’s senior leadership is equipped with the most accurate and up-to-date information. Your contributions support the division’s goal of helping Member States align their trade and industrialization policies with global sustainability standards, making you a vital part of the team driving Africa’s industrial clusters.
Ultimately, this role serves as a bridge between your academic studies and a career in international affairs. You will leave the internship with a deep understanding of regional economic communities, the mechanics of common markets, and the specific developmental needs of landlocked nations, setting you apart in the global job market.
Job Positions and Requirements
Intern – Economic Affairs
Educational Qualification: Applicants must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (Master’s or PhD) or be in the final year of a first university degree (Bachelor’s) in Economics, Statistics, Data Science, or a related field.
Work Experience: No professional work experience is required for the UN Internship Programme. However, a field of study closely related to the internship’s focus is mandatory.
Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (UNECA Headquarters).
Salary: Unpaid (Interns are responsible for all living, travel, and accommodation expenses).
No. Required: Multiple positions across various sections.
Employment Type and Compensation
This is a full-time, in-person internship with an expected duration of 6 months. It is important to note that UN internships are strictly unpaid and do not carry financial remuneration. This role is designed as a learning opportunity, where the “compensation” is the immense professional network, the prestige of the United Nations experience, and the direct mentorship from world-class economic experts.
Interns are responsible for arranging their own travel, visas, and living expenses in Addis Ababa. For those who are not citizens of Ethiopia, the ECA provides guidance on obtaining the necessary work or employment authorizations. We recommend that successful candidates discuss these logistical requirements with their sponsoring institutions or the UN Human Resources team early in the process to ensure a smooth transition.
Working in person at the Addis Ababa duty station allows interns to fully immerse themselves in the professional culture of the ECA. You will have access to the ECA’s specialized libraries, attend high-level forums, and participate in the daily life of a major international headquarters, providing a level of professional immersion that remote work cannot replicate.
How to Apply
We strive to make the application process accessible to all students. At this initial stage, scanned certificates or physical attachments are NOT required. We ask that you focus on clearly detailing your academic background and any relevant skills—such as survey design, social media drafting, or software proficiency—directly in your online application profile.
Original academic documents and proof of enrollment will only be required for physical verification if you are selected for an interview or an offer. This ensures a more efficient review process for our recruitment team. Please be aware that the United Nations will never charge a fee at any stage of the application or recruitment process.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, if you do not hear from us within a few weeks of the deadline, you should assume that we are proceeding with other applicants for this specific cycle. We encourage you to maintain an active profile for future opportunities.
The selection process includes a review of your academic performance and your alignment with the RITD’s core functions. Successful candidates will be expected to demonstrate a strong interest in African trade and industrialization. After the deadline, our team will move quickly to identify candidates who can contribute to the division’s research and administrative needs for the upcoming six-month term.
Interested candidates should submit their application via the official United Nations careers portal (Inspira) by referencing Job Opening ID: 276385. Ensure your application is complete and submitted before the closing date to be considered for this prestigious opportunity to shape the future of African trade.
Application Deadline
May 3, 2026
Official Application Link / Contact
United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Regional Integration and Trade Division, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Applications must be submitted through the UN Inspira portal.
Apply Link