The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is offering an internship in its Trade Logistics Branch in Geneva, Switzerland, with hybrid or remote work possible. The role involves research and analytical work on transport, logistics and supply chains in the context of developing countries, runs for three months (extendable to six), and the deadline to apply is 10 November 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full vacancy so every requirement and condition is set out below.
About UNCTAD and the Trade Logistics Branch
UNCTAD is the principal United Nations body dealing with trade, investment and development. It supports developing countries in integrating into the world economy on equitable terms, produces flagship research publications, negotiates multilateral frameworks and delivers technical assistance to governments across all regions.
The intern position sits in the Trade Logistics Branch of the Division on Technology and Logistics. This branch focuses specifically on how transport infrastructure, port efficiency, freight markets and supply chain connectivity affect the trade and development outcomes of developing and least-developed countries. UNCTAD's annual Review of Maritime Transport, one of the most widely cited publications in international shipping and logistics, is produced within this Division.
What You Will Work On
The intern contributes to the branch's research, analytical and operational work. Main responsibilities:
🔬 Support the preparation of research reports, policy briefs and technical papers on transport and trade logistics topics
📊 Collect and analyse data on maritime transport, port performance, freight rates and supply chain indicators
🗄️ Assist in maintaining and updating UNCTAD's transport and logistics databases and indicators
🎓 Contribute to the development of capacity-building materials and training modules
🤝 Support the organisation of workshops, meetings and conferences related to trade logistics
📝 Assist in drafting correspondence, minutes and documentation
🔄 Perform other duties as required
Research Focus: Developing Country Trade Connectivity
The analytical work centres on how transport connectivity, logistics costs and supply chain resilience affect the economic prospects of developing economies. UNCTAD's Trade Logistics Branch tracks port performance, liner shipping connectivity, freight rate trends and trade facilitation developments across all regions, with a particular focus on landlocked developing countries, small island developing states and other vulnerable economies.
Interns working in this environment are exposed to global trade data, official statistics from ports and carriers, and the kind of policy questions that inform decisions at national and multilateral levels.
Who Can Apply: Education Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
🎓 Enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher)
📋 Enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent)
Both current students at the qualifying level and recent graduates who have completed such a programme are eligible to apply. There is no nationality restriction: applications are open worldwide.
Desirable Academic Background
A background in economics, trade, logistics, supply chain management, international relations, development studies or a related field is desirable. Candidates from quantitative disciplines with hands-on experience handling trade, transport or economic datasets are well positioned for the work this branch produces.
Technical Skills
🔍 Strong analytical and research skills with demonstrated experience in data collection and analysis
💻 Proficiency in MS Office Suite: Word, Excel and PowerPoint
📈 Experience with statistical analysis software (STATA, R or Python) is an advantage
✍️ Good writing and communication skills in English
Language Requirements
🗣️ English: fluency is required
🇫🇷 French: knowledge is an advantage
English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. The role is conducted primarily in English; French proficiency, while not mandatory, strengthens an application.
Work Location and Duration
📍 Location: Geneva, Switzerland (hybrid or remote work possible)
🗓️ Duration: three months, extendable to six months
The internship is based at UNCTAD headquarters in Geneva. A hybrid arrangement or fully remote placement may be possible depending on the specific period and team requirements. Candidates should confirm the exact modality with UNCTAD upon receiving an offer.
Financial Arrangements and Visa
This is an unpaid internship. The United Nations does not financially remunerate interns. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are entirely the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution.
Candidates who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work or employment authorisation before starting. Successful candidates are advised to discuss their specific visa situation with UNCTAD before accepting the offer.
For background on how paid and unpaid international internship structures differ, the guide to internships abroad for students on Youth Works Hub explains the main funding models and what to expect in terms of costs and support.
The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, processing or training, and does not ask for bank account information from applicants.
Browse more internship opportunities at Youth Works Hub to find roles that match your background.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this UNCTAD internship paid?
No. Interns are 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.
Can I apply if I am still studying?
Yes. You are eligible if you are enrolled in the final year of a bachelor's degree programme, or if you are enrolled in or have completed a master's level or higher degree programme.
Is the internship fully remote or on-site in Geneva?
The position is listed as Geneva-based with hybrid or remote work possible. The exact arrangement should be confirmed with UNCTAD after selection, as modalities may vary by placement period.
Do I need to speak French?
No. Fluency in English is the only mandatory language requirement. Knowledge of French is listed as an advantage but is not required.
What data or software experience is useful?
Experience with statistical analysis tools such as STATA, R or Python is listed as an advantage. Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required. Any background in working with trade, transport or logistics datasets will be directly relevant.
Is there a nationality restriction?
No. The internship is open to applicants worldwide. Candidates who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland will need to arrange their own visa and work authorisation independently.
Deadline
⏳ 10 November 2026
Link
https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/287208?language=en
