The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is a vital regional arm of the United Nations, dedicated to promoting economic and social development across the African continent. At the heart of this mission is the African Centre for Statistics (ACS), a specialized division responsible for improving the production, dissemination, and use of quality data. The ACS plays a critical role in supporting evidence-based planning and policymaking, ensuring that African nations can effectively implement and monitor global and regional frameworks such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063.

The ACS is structured into three specialized sections: Data Capability and Geospatial Knowledge; Statistical Production, Methods and Research; and Coordination, Partnership and Policy Outreach. This multifaceted structure allows the Centre to provide comprehensive support to member states, ranging from technical statistical methodologies to high-level policy advocacy. By bridging the gap between raw data and actionable insights, the ACS empowers African governments to make informed decisions that drive sustainable growth and improve the lives of their citizens.

Working at the ECA offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the "Africa We Want." The organizational culture is deeply rooted in international cooperation, professional integrity, and a commitment to excellence. As an intern within the Office of the Director, you will be part of a diverse and multicultural team that values innovation and rigorous analytical thinking. The environment is designed to foster global perspectives while maintaining a sharp focus on the specific developmental needs of African nations.

Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation, much like the UN ECA, thrives on diversity and inclusion. We recognize that bringing together individuals from different backgrounds, genders, and experiences is essential for solving the world's most pressing challenges. By fostering an inclusive workforce, organizations like the ECA ensure that their developmental strategies are equitable and representative of the populations they serve.

The United Nations and the African Centre for Statistics are equal opportunity employers. We strongly encourage women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply for this internship. We are committed to fostering a diverse work environment that provides meaningful professional growth and the chance to impact continental policy at the highest level.

Job Description and Strategic Impact

The Internship in Data Analysis at the African Centre for Statistics is a high-impact role designed for individuals who are passionate about the power of data to transform societies. Reporting directly to the Director, the intern provides essential support in statistical compilation, economic data management, and policy-oriented research. This role is not just about numbers; it is about creating the evidence base that justifies multi-billion dollar development investments and national policy shifts across Africa.

The strategic importance of this role lies in its contribution to data harmonization and the closing of data gaps. By evaluating emerging data sources and maintaining the comparability of African development indicators, the intern helps ensure that progress toward international goals is accurately measured. This technical groundwork is the invisible engine that drives the credibility of the ECA’s reporting and its influence in global development forums.

A "day-in-the-life" in this role involves a blend of technical data processing and high-level analytical support. You will be tasked with profiling use cases for new data sources, assisting in metadata compilation, and creating statistical tools to automate complex processes. This exposure to the inner workings of a major international organization provides an unparalleled vantage point for understanding how global statistics are managed and utilized for regional progress.

Career development is a central focus of the UN Internship Programme. While this is a learning-focused role, it offers immense opportunities for professional growth. Interns gain hands-on experience with advanced tools like R and Python, learn to navigate complex international databases, and develop the skills necessary to present statistical results through modern visualization techniques. These competencies are highly sought after in the fields of international development, economics, and data science.

By contributing to the ACS, you are helping to build the data infrastructure of a continent. The organized datasets and analytical outputs you produce will support ongoing statistical work that informs the implementation of Agenda 2063. This internship is a stepping stone for those looking to build a career in international civil service or quantitative policy analysis, offering both technical mastery and a global network of professional contacts.

Job Positions and Requirements

ACS/Data Analysis Internship (Job ID: 275110)

Educational Qualification: Applicants must be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (Master's or Ph.D.), or be in the final year of a first university degree (Bachelor's). A degree in a development-related field is highly desirable.

Work Experience: No professional work experience is required; however, familiarity with statistical tools like R or Python and experience with quantitative datasets (cross-sectional, time-series, or panel data) is essential.

Job Location: Addis Ababa

Salary: Unpaid Internship (Costs for travel and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or sponsoring institution)

No. Required: Not Specified

Employment Type and Compensation

This is a full-time internship with an expected duration of six months. It is important to note that UN internships are not financially remunerated. All costs associated with travel, visas, accommodation, and general living expenses must be covered by the intern or their sponsoring institution. This role is designed as a professional development opportunity within an international civil service framework.

Despite being unpaid, the compensation comes in the form of professional equity. Interns gain direct exposure to the work of the United Nations, mentorship from senior statistical experts, and access to the ECA’s vast resources and networks. The experience gained here is a significant asset for any future applications to international organizations, NGOs, or academic Ph.D. programs.

How to Apply

Applying for a United Nations internship is a formal process conducted through the UN’s recruitment portal. Interested candidates should submit their application along with proof of their current enrollment or degree completion. Please ensure that your application highlights your technical skills in data cleaning, validation, and visualization, as these are key criteria for the selection committee.

At this initial stage, scanned certificates or formal attachments are not required as part of the primary submission. Candidates simply need to provide the necessary information within the application form. We recommend focusing on your "Motivation Statement" to clearly articulate how your skills align with the mission of the African Centre for Statistics.

Verification of academic credentials and original documents will be conducted only for candidates who are invited for an interview. This ensures that the initial application phase remains streamlined. Please be aware that the UN does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interviewing, or training.

Only shortlisted candidates who meet the educational and technical requirements will be contacted for an interview. We appreciate the interest of all applicants in supporting the work of the ECA and the development of the African continent.

The application method is strictly online through the official UN Careers portal. Interested candidates should follow the "Apply Now" link on the job posting to create a profile and submit their candidacy.

Application Deadline

May 1, 2026

Official Application Link / Contact

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