INTERN – Economic Affairs at UN Economic Commission for Africa

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 task : Carry out other tasks as required by the Section and the Division.

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.

Creativity : Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

Education

a) Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or,

b) Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent).

Work Experience

Location : Accra