Work Location
Geneva, Switzerland
Expected duration
6 months - from 23 February 2026 to 22 August 2026
Duties and Responsibilities
BACKGROUND: International Trade Centre (ITC) is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations (UN). It is the only multilateral agency fully dedicated to supporting the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs). ITC’s mission is to foster inclusive and sustainable growth and development through trade and international business development. ITC projects and programmes contribute to the global efforts to achieve UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development and the Aid for Trade agenda. In Iraq, ITC builds trade-led growth for inclusive prosperity. ITC is a member of the UNCT with offices in Baghdad, Erbil, Mosul and Basra. Currently, ITC is implementing two European Union-funded projects in Iraq: • Jobs and entrepreneurship Opportunities to Build Sustainable inclusive Development (JOBS - SAAVI Phase 2) • “Building Equitable and Inclusive Transformation” (BEIT), jointly executed with UN-Habitat, and ILO ITC’s Strategies & Policy for Trade & Investment (SPTI) will retain the services of an intern to assist in the implementation of ITC in Iraq programmes, based on projects’ needs. The intern will contribute to technical research and analytical work and assist in the preparation of technical reports and key events. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the direct supervision of the Trade Strategy Programme Officer, the intern will undertake the following tasks: • Conduct desk-based research and analysis of topical and emerging themes relevant to to the competitiveness of Iraq’s export sector. • Contribute to the initial diagnostic of Iraq’s trade and investment sector, including the identification of priority sectors and value chain mapping, through desk research and analysis. • Develop recommendations on areas that the country and priority sectors may address to improve competitiveness, development impact, and effectiveness. • Contribute to the preparation of presentations and related materials for consultations and events in the country. • Assist in the organization of the Iraq National Trade Forum 2026 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.
Qualifications/special skills
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); or b) Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or c) Have graduated with a university degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s equivalent) and, if selected, must commence the internship within one year of graduation. Relevant field of studies e.g. economics, business administration, or a related field.
Languages
LANGUAGES AND SKILLS: - Fluency in English. - Knowledge of other UN languages is considered an asset. - 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. - Ability to analyze and organize research results into structured and properly referenced reports. - Proficiency in standard office and research tools. Good knowledge of data visualization tools and graphic software will be considered an important asset.
Additional Information
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: - Acquire meaningful hands-on experience in trade-related technical assistance, contributing to academic, professional, and personal development. - Develop a strong understanding of the work of ITC, including its mandate, mission, and the practical implementation of its activities. - Gain first-hand exposure to the operations and working environment of an international organization. EXPECTATIONS: - By the end of the assignment, the intern is expected to: - Collaborate effectively with team members and relevant stakeholders to support the achievement of organizational objectives. - Demonstrate professionalism, strong attention to detail, and effective organizational skills in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.
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.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
