Data Engineering

Work Location

HQ-based

Expected duration

3 months extendable, from Jan 2026

Duties and Responsibilities

BACKGROUND: The International Trade Centre is the joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, which provides technical assistance and capacity building to policymakers, the private sector and trade and investment support organisations to help them use trade as an engine for sustainable growth and employment generation. ITC works to support the achievement of the sustainable Development Goals by connecting micro, small and medium enterprises to global value chains. By enabling small business export success in developing countries, ITC helps generate sustainable incomes and livelihoods, especially for women and youth while taking into consideration sustainable elements such as the environment and social responsibility. The Trade and Market Intelligence section (TMI) is part of ITC's Division of Market Development (DMD). TMI has developed a range of online tools for strategic and operational market research focusing on products and markets of interest to developing countries and assessing sectoral and national trade performance and trade competitiveness. Among these tools is Trade Map (TM), a leading platform providing monthly, quarterly, and yearly international trade statistics, combined with key indicators and information on trading companies. This tool enables users to identify and prioritize export and import markets more effectively. As part of an ongoing effort to enhance and modernize the tools, TMI is seeking an intern to support the current revamping of its databases and contribute to the development and optimization of data-related processes. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES Under the overall guidance of the Trade Map Quantitative Market Analyst and in collaboration with the Trade Map Statisticians, the selected candidate is expected to: 1. Support the collection, evaluation, analysis, and dissemination of statistical data to compute trade and market intelligence indicators. 2. Support the redesign and implementation of TM data pipelines, working closely with relevant teams to enhance data flow and integration into the database. 3. Contribute to the development and implementation of data governance practices, collaborating with stakeholders to ensure data quality, consistency, and compliance throughout the entire data pipeline. 4. Provide support across team initiatives and processes, contributing to ongoing projects and assisting with evolving priorities as needed. 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/special skills

EDUCATION Applicants to the ITC internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements: 1. Enrolled in the final academic year of the first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent); 2. Enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or 3. Have graduated with a university degree (as defined in 1 and 2 above) and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation. Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field. SKILLS
• Familiarity with international trade statistics is an asset.
• Expert knowledge of at least one programming language, such as Python, R or Java.
• Basic understanding of SQL and experience with relational databases (e.g., MS SQL).
• Exposure to data processing frameworks (e.g., Apache Spark, Apache Hadoop) is a plus.
• Understanding data modeling concepts and ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze complex data sets.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to data accuracy.
• Basic knowledge of version control systems (e.g., Git) and software development best practices (e.g., Agile, CI/CD).
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Eagerness to learn and adapt to new technologies and methodologies.

Languages

Advanced knowledge of English is required. Working knowledge of French or Spanish is desirable.

Additional Information

LEARNING ELEMENTS
• Acquire hands-on experience in trade-related technical assistance, contributing to projects to enhance academic knowledge, professional skills, and personal growth.
• Gain experience in the work of ITC and deepen knowledge and understanding of ITC's goals and mission
• Exposure to real-world data challenges and solutions.
• Collaboration with experienced data professionals and cross-functional teams.

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.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.