Internship: Communications and Outreach – Trade and Market Intelligence

Position description

The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization for trade-related technical cooperation in developing countries.

The Trade and Market Intelligence Section (TMI) is part of the International Trade Centre’s Division of Market Development (DMD). The section aims to reduce the challenges MSMEs face when accessing relevant market information. It supports governments to monitor national trade performance, track trade integration, take evidence-based decisions to address trade barriers and make trade more efficient and less costly.

ITC9s Competitive Intelligence (CI) Programme, hosted in Trade and Market Intelligence (TMI), delivers training, advice and online solutions to strengthen the capacity of government agencies, trade and investment support institutions (TISIs) and companies on the use of trade intelligence for decision making. This includes the development of the African Trade Observatory (ATO) in collaboration with the Africa Union (AU), which aims at integrating ITC information with data from African countries to facilitate the monitoring of regional and continental trade agreements and thus simplify market research and support evidence-based decisions through a single, digital entry point.

In this context, TMI is looking for an intern to support the communication and outreach activities of the ATO project to reach the target audience of firms and policymakers spanning targeted regions and countries.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the overall supervision of an Associate Programme Officer within the Trade and Market Intelligence (TMI) Section, the intern will support the communication and outreach activities of ITC’s Competitive Intelligence (CI) Programme. The following responsibilities can be adapted, as appropriate:

• Contribute to the planning, organization, and delivery of online and in-person workshops, webinars, and outreach events, including supporting correspondence with speakers and participants, preparation of agendas and materials, and post-event follow-up.
• Support outreach aimed at increasing the awareness and benefits of ATO projects with relevant audiences, including SMEs, policymakers and trade support institutions.
• Support the creation of online and offline communication products such as presentations, social media content, short videos, infographics, and flyers in multiple languages where relevant.
• Assist with basic monitoring and reporting on communication and outreach activities, including compiling participation statistics and feedback from events.
• Provide additional support to the team as required.

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

Applicants to the programme shall, at the time of application, meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor9s level or equivalent);
• Have graduated with a university degree (as defined in a or b above) and, if selected, shall commence the internship within one year of graduation.

Relevant field of studies for this internship include, but are not limited to: communications, media studies, international trade, business studies, development studies, or related disciplines.

No prior working experience is required to apply for the Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the ITC9s Competitive Intelligence (CI) Programme during your internship.

Languages

LANGUAGES AND SKILLS:

• Proficiency in standard computer applications, particularly MS Office; experience with Canva or similar graphic design and video-editing tools is a strong asset.
• Demonstrated interest or prior exposure to communication and outreach activities, preferably in an international or multicultural context is a strong asset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to work in a diverse team and multicultural team.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Fluency in both spoken and written English and French is required.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Interest in international trade and development issues.
• Interest in communication, digital outreach and stakeholder engagement.
• Team spirit.

Application instructions

LEARNING ELEMENTS:

• Gain practical experience in communication and outreach within an international organization, including supporting the planning and delivery of workshops, webinars, and stakeholder engagement activities of the African Trade Observatory (ATO) project.
• Develop a practical understanding of trade and market intelligence, including how trade data and analytical tools are used to support evidence-based policymaking and private sector decision-making.
• Strengthen digital communication and content creation skills, including preparing multilingual communication materials, social media content, and basic video products for online platforms.
• Benefit from working in a dynamic, and multicultural environment within the Trade and Market Intelligence Section, while gaining exposure to ITC9s training resources, digital tools, and professional development opportunities.

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.