International Trade Centre is looking for a Small Island Developing States Intern

Organization: International Trade Centre
Location: GENEVA
Level: INT - I-1
Job Family: PGM
Application Deadline: 01 June 2026 at 03:59 UTC
Job Opening Number: 26-International Trade Centre-277894-Consultant

Apply via: UN Inspira Portal

Work Location: home-based

Expected duration: 01.07.26 - 30.09.26

Duties and Responsibilities

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 organizations 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 helping small and medium-sized enterprises become more competitive, integrate into regional and global value chains, and engage in international trade. By enabling small business export success in developing countries, ITC helps generate sustainable incomes and livelihoods, especially for women, youth, and other groups underrepresented in economic activity. The Office of the Executive Director provides strategic leadership for the development and management of the organization. It coordinates the corporate work programme through the preparation and monitoring of ITC’s Strategic Plan, development of key strategic priorities (including work in Small Island Developing States) and the key functions of evaluation, resource mobilization and corporate communications.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

The intern will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Advisor- Office of the Executive Director and the Public Information Officer – Office of the Executive Director. He/she will carry out the following duties:

1. Support ITC’s participation at the:

• AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2026), from 29 - 31 July 2026 in St. Kitts and Nevis;
• SIDS Global Business Network Forum and the inaugural Island Investment Forum in the Maldives from 23 – 25 August 2026;
• Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda from 1-4 November 2026 which includes the Commonwealth Women’s Forum;
• SheTrades Hubs Annual Meeting in Barbados in November.

2. Support in the planning of ITC’s SIDS engagement during the WTO Public Forum.

3. Undertake research on the thematic priorities to be focused on at the CHOGM and document ITC’s work in Commonwealth countries that align with priority joint focus areas which may include cooperation on SIDS, women’s economic empowerment, AfCFTA support, critical minerals, youth empowerment and digital trade;

4. Support in documenting success stories from ITC’s SheTrades Hubs in the Caribbean and other Commonwealth countries that can be used at the above mentioned SIDS related events.

5. Support the Executive Director’s speechwriter in contributing research inputs for the drafting of SIDS-related speeches and speaking points.

Qualifications/special skills

a) be enrolled in the final academic year of the first university degree programme in International Relations/Affairs, Public Policy or related areas (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. Some familiarity with and experience in working in or supporting Small Island Developing States would be welcomed.

Skills

• Excellent written communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and research skills.
• Strong ability to manage time and juggle multiple requests.

Languages

Advanced knowledge of English is required.

Additional Information

Not available.

Intern Specific text

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.

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