United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Vacancy 2026 – Economic Affairs Intern
United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)
Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa, ET
Role description
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is inviting applications for an Economic Affairs Intern position in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The internship is based in the Connectivity and Infrastructure Development Section (CIDS) of the Technology, Innovation and Connectivity for Infrastructure Development Division (TICID).
The internship provides an opportunity to support research and activities related to energy, water, data centres, connectivity, infrastructure development, and inclusive and sustainable development in Africa.
Job Summary
Organization: United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Position: Economic Affairs Intern Job Type: Internship Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Duration: 3 months, with possibility of extension Work Schedule: Full-time, five days per week Department: Connectivity and Infrastructure Development Section (CIDS), TICID Application Deadline: October 1, 2026
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:
Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme, with a minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent.
Applicants should also demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the United Nations Charter.
Key Responsibilities
Under the guidance and supervision of Section officers, the Economic Affairs Intern will support activities that may include:
Conducting analytical research and contributing to research papers on energy, water, and data centres in Africa, including collecting information, reviewing relevant literature, organizing data, and preparing initial summaries and background notes. Supporting the coordination and organization of webinars by assisting with participant outreach, preparing draft agendas and background materials, helping with logistical and technical arrangements, and documenting key outcomes and follow-up actions. Supporting training activities by preparing draft agendas, liaising with facilitators and partner institutions as directed, helping arrange logistical and technical requirements, supporting session delivery, collecting participant feedback, and documenting outcomes and follow-up actions. Supporting the development of guidelines for data-centre development in Africa through background research, review of international and regional good practices, and compilation of relevant data and case studies. Supporting consultations with member States, private-sector stakeholders, development partners, and technical experts related to data-centre development. Supporting the drafting, review, and refinement of recommendations concerning enabling policies, digital and energy infrastructure, water use, environmental sustainability, investment, connectivity, cybersecurity, skills development, and regulatory frameworks for resilient, efficient, inclusive, and sustainable data-centre ecosystems across Africa. Performing other tasks as required by the Section and the Division.
Internship Duration and Working Arrangements
The internship is full-time for three months , with the possibility of extension. Interns work five days per week under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned.
An internship certificate is awarded on the recommendation of the supervisor.
Location
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Application Deadline
October 1, 2026
Applications advertised on the United Nations Careers Portal are removed at 11:59 p.m. New York time on the deadline date.
The internship provides an opportunity to support research and activities related to energy, water, data centres, connectivity, infrastructure development, and inclusive and sustainable development in Africa.
Job Summary
Organization: United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Position: Economic Affairs Intern Job Type: Internship Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Duration: 3 months, with possibility of extension Work Schedule: Full-time, five days per week Department: Connectivity and Infrastructure Development Section (CIDS), TICID Application Deadline: October 1, 2026
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:
Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme, with a minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent.
Applicants should also demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the United Nations Charter.
Key Responsibilities
Under the guidance and supervision of Section officers, the Economic Affairs Intern will support activities that may include:
Conducting analytical research and contributing to research papers on energy, water, and data centres in Africa, including collecting information, reviewing relevant literature, organizing data, and preparing initial summaries and background notes. Supporting the coordination and organization of webinars by assisting with participant outreach, preparing draft agendas and background materials, helping with logistical and technical arrangements, and documenting key outcomes and follow-up actions. Supporting training activities by preparing draft agendas, liaising with facilitators and partner institutions as directed, helping arrange logistical and technical requirements, supporting session delivery, collecting participant feedback, and documenting outcomes and follow-up actions. Supporting the development of guidelines for data-centre development in Africa through background research, review of international and regional good practices, and compilation of relevant data and case studies. Supporting consultations with member States, private-sector stakeholders, development partners, and technical experts related to data-centre development. Supporting the drafting, review, and refinement of recommendations concerning enabling policies, digital and energy infrastructure, water use, environmental sustainability, investment, connectivity, cybersecurity, skills development, and regulatory frameworks for resilient, efficient, inclusive, and sustainable data-centre ecosystems across Africa. Performing other tasks as required by the Section and the Division.
Internship Duration and Working Arrangements
The internship is full-time for three months , with the possibility of extension. Interns work five days per week under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned.
An internship certificate is awarded on the recommendation of the supervisor.
Location
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Application Deadline
October 1, 2026
Applications advertised on the United Nations Careers Portal are removed at 11:59 p.m. New York time on the deadline date.