Intern on Inclusive and Sustainable Trade (AfCFTA)  

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
 

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
 

The UNDP Renewed Strategic Offer in Africa identifies structural economic transformation as one of the key pillars for accelerated and inclusive growth, with regional integration as a key enabler. As acknowledged in SDG 17, trade is a means of implementation for sustainable development. Boosting production and intra-African trade including under the  African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), are is intrinsically linked to success of UNDP’s renewed strategic offer in Africa. UNDP’s Africa Regional Programme (2022 – 2025) provides dedicated support to the African Union member States and regional institutions to ensure, inter alia, that regional growth and structural transformation is inclusive, transformational and sustainable with reduced economic inequalities. The programme is anchored using a ‘regional lens’ that promotes a coordinated approach and coherence between regional and national level interventions that align to regional frameworks and policies across Africa. 

Trading under the preferential terms of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has commenced. Through the progressive elimination of tariffs and removal of non-tariff barriers, the single African market will unleash opportunities for economic empowerment and catalyse attainment of the aspirations of all the other impact areas such as natural resource governance, youth and women employment and empowerment, sustainable energy, climate change, peace and security. 

As AfCFTA State Parties start trading under the AfCFTA, UNDP continues to provide support to national and regional institutions through its AfCFTA Regional Project 2022- 2025. Dedicated actions are deployed to support, at national, regional, and continental levels, strengthening the capacities of women and youth-owned micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) to maximise opportunities arising from the free trade area.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Undertake research on intra – African trade and investment
2. Provide technical inputs to briefing notes, project reports, presentations and research outputs 
3. Support coordination of MSME – related market access initiatives 
4. Contribute to the organization of public engagements 

Institutional Arrangement

The Intern on Inclusive and Sustainable Trade (AfCFTA) will report directly to the Regional AfCFTA Specialist under the overall guidance of the Regional AfCFTA Advisor. 

Competencies

Core
Achieve Results:   

LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline. 
 

Think Innovatively:  

 LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.  
 

Learn Continuously:   

LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback. 
 

Adapt with Agility:   

LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.  
 

Act with Determination:   

 LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident. 
 

Engage and Partner:   

LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships. 
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:   LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.  

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Masters Degree in Economics, Law, International Business, International Trade or other relevant subject

Experience:

• No experience is required

Required  skills 

Research, drafting, 

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Required Language(s) 

English 

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders) 

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 

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