Org. Setting and Reporting

ECA’s mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa; informed by the 2030 SDGs and Agenda 2063.

The mission is guided by ECA’s five new strategic directions which are: advancing ECA’s position as a premier knowledge institution that builds on its unique position and privilege to bring global solutions to the continent’s problems and take local solution to the continent; developing macroeconomic and structural policy options to accelerate economic diversification and job creation; designing and implementing innovative financing models for infrastructure, and for human, physical and social assets for a transforming Africa; contributing solutions to regional and transboundary challenges, with a focus on peace security and social inclusion as an important development nexus; advocating Africa’s position at the global level and developing regional responses as a contribution to global governance issues.

Private Sector Development and Finance Division

The Private Sector Development and Finance Division (PSDFD) is responsible for supporting member States in their endeavour to achieve sustained economic growth and transformation through leveraging the role and resources of the private sector with an emphasis, improving the business environment, increasing private sector investment in agriculture, infrastructure, energy and services (technology), and promoting innovative financing models.

This internship is located in the Innovative Finance and Capital Markets Section (IFCM) of the Private Sector Development and Finance Division at the Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Due to the current health context, the internship may be remote.

The duration of the internship is six months on a full-time basis. The internship certificate is awarded on the recommendation of the supervisor.

Responsibilities

Under the general guidance of the Chief of the ” Innovative Finance and Capital Markets Section” and/or and the direct supervision of a relevant responsible officer, the intern will make an important contribution to the work of the Section. Activities change according to the needs of the section, but typical tasks include the following:

• Research: Assist officers of the Section to conduct analytical research on various issues related to the development and deepening of capital markets across the region, particularly for bond markets at the sovereign and corporate levels as well as the use of innovative finance technologies to accelerate financial inclusion.
• Information and data: Compile, process and analyse information and data on capital markets, domestic private investment and innovative financing structures in Africa, which may require econometric skills and economic modelling approaches.
• Programme and project: Support officers of the Section to conduct programme and projects related to bond markets, economic development and innovative finance.
• Other tasks: carry out other tasks as required by the Section and the Division.

Requirements

Competencies

• Professionalism: Ability to apply economic theories and concepts in different sectors of economic and sustainable development. Ability to identify, independently assess, formulate recommendations and/or resolve a wide range of issues/problems, undertake research and gather information from standard sources and to work well with figures including ability to analyze and understand financial data. Ability to design information databases from multiple sources into an integrated programme evaluation system.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met:

• Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); or (c) have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one year period of graduation;
• Be computer literate in standard software applications;
• Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and
• Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Work Experience : No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship.

Languages : English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the Internship Programme, fluency in English or French is required. Working knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment : Potential candidates will be contacted by the hiring manager directly for further consideration. Due to the large number of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted.

Special Notice : The internship is UNPAID and full time. Interns work five days per week under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned