The United Nations Research Assistant Internship. Apply for the ECLAC Internship 2026
The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations, has opened applications for its Research Assistant Internship (Job Opening ID: 258364). Based in Santiago, Chile, this internship offers an exceptional opportunity for students and recent graduates interested in economics, development studies, and public policy to gain hands-on experience within a leading UN body that has been shaping socio-economic development policies since 1948.
ECLAC plays a pivotal role in supporting governments across Latin America and the Caribbean through policy design, monitoring, evaluation, and advisory services. The organization also leads collaborative initiatives promoting sustainable development and regional coordination. This internship, located in the Cepal Review Unit, allows emerging professionals to contribute to meaningful research activities aligned with ECLAC’s mission.
The United Nations Research Assistant Internship. Apply for the ECLAC Internship 2026
Internship Structure and Duration
The internship is expected to last three months, with the possibility of extension up to six months depending on office needs. Candidates may be selected on an ongoing basis throughout the posting period, making early application advantageous.
Interns will work under the supervision of the Chief of the Cepal Review Unit and participate in research-centered tasks that support academic publications and economic analysis within the organization.
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Key Duties and Responsibilities
Selected interns will engage in a variety of intellectually stimulating assignments, including:
- Collecting and organizing information from diverse sources related to economics and development.
- Critically reviewing academic articles, an essential activity that contributes to the quality and relevance of ECLAC’s research outputs.
- Supporting small tasks and administrative activities that enable the smooth functioning of the Division.
These responsibilities provide interns with a realistic understanding of research processes within an international organization and help build analytical and technical capacities.
Qualifications and Required Skills
Applicants must meet one of the following educational requirements:
- A high school diploma while currently enrolled in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree.
- Enrollment in or completion of a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. programme.
Although previous work experience is not required, candidates must demonstrate:
- Strong skills in MS Word and PowerPoint.
- The ability to draft working papers and academic-style documents.
- Fluency in English, both written and spoken. Knowledge of another UN language, such as Spanish or French, provides an added advantage.
Since the internship is research-intensive, strong analytical abilities and academic writing skills are highly valued.
Important Administrative Information
ECLAC clarifies several logistical considerations:
- Interns may need to bring their own laptops, as institutional devices are not guaranteed.
- A work email may not be provided; interns might use personal email for communication.
- Access to institutional Wi-Fi may require registration using personal details.
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Internship Conditions
This is an unpaid internship, consistent with UN Internship Programme rules. Interns are responsible for arranging and financing their travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses. Non-residents of Chile must ensure they secure the correct visa and work authorization.
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Final Thoughts
For students and young professionals passionate about development economics and international policy, the ECLAC Research Assistant Internship offers a rare and valuable opportunity. Working within a respected UN body provides exposure to global development challenges, strengthens research skills, and enhances career prospects in international organizations, government institutions, and academia.
