The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is offering a six-month unpaid internship for a Mining Data Analyst within its Extractive Commodities Section in Geneva. The position runs from 01 December 2026 to 31 May 2027 and is open to students and recent graduates worldwide. Work can be carried out in person in Geneva or remotely.
At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full job description published on the UN's Inspira recruitment platform so you have all the details in one place.
About UNCTAD and the Extractive Commodities Section
UNCTAD is the UN body responsible for trade, investment, and development issues. It produces analysis and policy recommendations used by governments, intergovernmental bodies, and international organizations. The Division on International Trade and Commodities (DITC) is one of its core divisions.
The Extractive Commodities Section sits within DITC. Its work focuses on minerals, metals, and other extractive resources — particularly how these shape economic development prospects for resource-rich countries. With the global energy transition accelerating demand for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, copper, and rare earth elements, the section produces research, databases, policy briefs, and convenes intergovernmental processes to address these issues at the international level.
The intern will work at the intersection of data, policy research, and international economic analysis in one of the most consequential areas of global trade today.
Data Collection and Analysis
The core of this internship is quantitative and qualitative data work on commodity markets:
⛏️ Collect, compile, and validate data on commodity markets, including production volumes, trade flows, and policy developments in the minerals and metals sector.
📉 Analyse critical energy transition minerals to identify market and policy drivers, and evaluate their impacts on exporting and importing countries, supply chain security, and the broader energy transition.
🗂️ Monitor and document export restrictions on critical energy transition minerals, maintain and regularly update a dedicated database, and ensure the completeness and accuracy of all entries.
Thematic Research and Synthesis
Beyond data work, the intern contributes to substantive research outputs:
📄 Conduct targeted research to support the preparation of policy briefs, background papers, and publications on critical minerals and their role in development for resource-rich countries.
🔗 Contribute to research on value addition, diversification, and benefit sharing in the minerals sector, as well as on global frameworks for traceability, transparency, and accountability across the minerals value chain.
📋 Compile and document relevant best practices from countries and international initiatives.
Supporting Intergovernmental Meetings
The Extractive Commodities Section convenes and facilitates intergovernmental processes. The intern provides direct support:
🤝 Assist in the organization and preparation of intergovernmental meetings convened or facilitated by the section.
🎤 Identify potential speakers and panellists in coordination with supervisors and contribute to logistical arrangements.
📑 Prepare background materials, presentations, and discussion inputs drawing on the intern's own analytical work.
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Who Can Apply
The UN Internship Programme is designed to give students and recent graduates exposure to the work of the United Nations. At the time of application, candidates must meet one of these requirements:
🎓 Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate-level programme (master's degree or equivalent, or higher).
📚 Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent).
No professional work experience is required.
Preferred Academic Background
Applicants should preferably be pursuing studies in:
📐 Data and computer sciences
📊 Economics
🌍 Trade-related fields
A field of study closely related to the internship type is required.
Technical Skills and Personal Qualities
Candidates should demonstrate:
💻 Computer literacy in standard software applications.
🌐 A demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of its Charter.
🤝 A demonstrated ability to interact successfully with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, including willingness to understand and tolerate differing opinions and views.
📈 Knowledge of data visualization tools such as Datawrapper or Power BI is desirable.
🖥️ Knowledge of HTML is desirable.
Language Requirements
🗣️ Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required. Knowledge of any other UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is an asset.
Internship Conditions and Financial Information
UN internships are unpaid. The United Nations does not financially remunerate interns. Interns are responsible for all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses — either personally or through a sponsoring institution.
Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. Candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting an offer.
The position is offered on an in-person basis in Geneva and/or remotely (home-based).
The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process — application, interview, processing, or training.
General Intern Responsibilities
All interns in the UN Internship Programme are expected to:
📌 Observe all applicable UN rules, regulations, instructions, procedures, and directives throughout the internship.
📁 Provide the receiving department with a copy of all materials prepared during the internship. The UN holds all property rights, including patents, copyrights, and trademarks, over work produced in connection with the internship.
⚖️ Respect the impartiality and independence required of the UN and its offices, and not seek or accept external instructions from any government or authority regarding the services performed under the internship agreement.
🔒 Not communicate any non-public information to the media, institutions, or external sources without written authorization from the appropriate UN official. This obligation applies both during and after the internship.
🏛️ Refrain from any conduct that would adversely reflect on the UN or the receiving department, and not engage in any activity incompatible with the aims and purposes of the Organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this UNCTAD internship paid?
No. The UN Internship Programme does not provide financial remuneration. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living costs. The internship is entirely unpaid.
Can I do this internship remotely?
Yes. The position is offered on an in-person basis in Geneva and/or remotely (home-based). The final arrangement will depend on the agreement with the section.
What is the duration of the internship?
The internship runs for six months, tentatively from 01 December 2026 to 31 May 2027. It is a full-time commitment of five days per week (40 hours per week).
Do I need work experience to apply?
No. Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study closely related to the internship type is required.
What level of studies is required?
Candidates must be enrolled in or have completed either the final year of a bachelor's degree programme or a graduate-level programme (master's or higher).
What are the data visualization tools mentioned?
The position mentions Datawrapper and Power BI as desirable tools. These are used to present commodity data visually. Having experience with either is an advantage, though not a strict requirement.
What is the Job Opening ID?
The Job Opening ID for this position is 287184. Use this reference when applying through the Inspira platform.
What are critical energy transition minerals?
These are minerals essential to clean energy technologies — including lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, manganese, and rare earth elements used in batteries, electric vehicles, solar panels, and wind turbines. UNCTAD's Extractive Commodities Section monitors global trade flows, export restrictions, and development impacts related to these minerals.
Is this internship open to applicants outside Europe?
Yes. The UN Internship Programme is open to candidates worldwide. Eligible countries include all 195 UN member states and observers. Non-Swiss nationals should factor in visa and work authorization requirements before applying.
Deadline
⏳ 16 November 2026
