About the Organization
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is a prominent division of the United Nations Secretariat, committed to fostering economic and social development across the African continent. As part of its broader mandate, the ECA operates the Publications & Conference Management Section (PCMS), which plays a pivotal role in organizing high-level engagements and disseminating vital information to facilitate regional growth and cooperation.
The organization is dedicated to creating a professional environment that emphasizes administrative efficiency, strategic communication, and inclusive service delivery. By providing internship opportunities, the ECA aims to cultivate the next generation of professionals, offering them exposure to international standards, multilateral diplomacy, and high-impact administrative operations within the United Nations system.
Core values of the ECA include integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to global public service. The institution actively works to streamline conference management and outreach, ensuring that its activities contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development goals of its member states. The work culture is collaborative, fast-paced, and centered on achieving tangible outcomes through organized team efforts.
Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of the ECA. We believe that innovation thrives when teams are composed of individuals from varied backgrounds, bringing unique perspectives to complex challenges. We actively foster an environment of equity, ensuring that our internal processes and opportunities are accessible to all qualified individuals.
We strongly encourage women and persons with disabilities to apply for this internship program. The United Nations is committed to the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and strives to provide reasonable accommodations to support the participation of all qualified candidates throughout the recruitment and selection process.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
The Sales/Marketing Assistant intern will be positioned within the Administration and Conference Management Division (ACMD), reporting directly to the Team Leader for Marketing under the supervision of the Chief of the Conference Planning and Coordination Services Unit (CPCSU). This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the strategic outreach efforts of a major international organization.
The day-to-day impact of this role is multifaceted, involving the drafting of promotional content for diverse media, including websites, brochures, and sales collateral. You will play a critical role in supporting the visibility of ECA conferences and publications, helping to ensure that the organization’s messages effectively reach their target audiences across the continent and beyond.
This position is designed to provide comprehensive professional growth, allowing interns to gain practical experience in market research, database management, and event planning. By participating in the daily operations of the CPCSU, you will learn the complexities of coordinating international events and managing stakeholder communications in a high-profile, professional setting.
Your contributions will directly support administrative excellence, including tasks such as order processing, inquiry handling, and sales performance tracking. This experiential learning opportunity is ideal for students or recent graduates who are eager to apply their academic knowledge to real-world administrative and marketing challenges, building a robust foundation for a career in international development or corporate communications.
Upon completing this internship, you will have gained significant insight into the operations of a UN entity, along with a refined set of professional skills in communication, data analysis, and project coordination. You will be part of a team dedicated to excellence, ensuring that every outreach effort and administrative task contributes to the overall success of the Commission’s mission.
Job Positions and Requirements
Intern-Sales/Marketing Assistant
Educational Qualification: Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate school degree program (second university degree or higher) at the time of application; or, if studying in a country where higher education is not divided, have completed at least four years of full-time study toward a degree. Candidates in their final year of a bachelor’s degree, or those who have already completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. program, are also eligible. A field of study closely related to marketing, sales, or administrative management is required.
Work Experience: No professional work experience is required for this UN Internship.
Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Salary: This internship is not financially remunerated by the United Nations. All costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution.
No. Required: Not specified.
Employment Type and Compensation
This internship is a full-time, six-month commitment, with a schedule of 34 hours per week, five days per week. There is an opportunity for extension depending on the evolving needs of the Section. While the role is not remunerated, it provides incomparable experience within the United Nations system, offering networking opportunities and professional exposure that are highly valued in the global labor market.
Interns are responsible for their own living arrangements and travel. For those who are not citizens or permanent residents of Ethiopia, it is the responsibility of the candidate to secure the necessary visa and work authorization prior to accepting the internship offer. Successful candidates should engage in early discussions regarding these requirements to ensure a smooth transition into their role.
How to Apply
To apply, please ensure you meet the educational criteria and indicate your specific eligibility status in your application. You must be prepared to provide official certificates and proof of enrollment at a later stage of the recruitment process. Please note that scanned copies of certificates or attachments are not required to be submitted during the initial application phase.
Original documentation will be required only during the verification stage for successful candidates. We aim to keep the application process as accessible as possible. All submissions will be carefully reviewed, and please be aware that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps or interviews.
The United Nations adheres to a strict policy regarding recruitment fees. The UN does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, processing, or training. Furthermore, the organization does not concern itself with or request information regarding an applicant’s personal bank accounts.
To apply, please use the official United Nations careers portal. This platform is the primary and secure method for submitting your application. We encourage interested candidates to act promptly to ensure their profile is considered for this rewarding professional development opportunity within the Economic Commission for Africa.
Application Deadline
June 14, 2026
Official Application Link / Contact
Interested candidates should apply via the official United Nations Careers portal at the link provided in the job opening ID 278361.
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