An internship at the Global Governance for Development Programme (GGDP) of the South Centre offers young professionals an opportunity to undertake autonomous, concrete and critical work on global governance issues, e.g. issues relating to reforms in global governance institutions such as the United Nations, World Bank, IMF, World Trade Organization; developing country dynamics as global governance actors; global economic governance issues such as financing for development; global environmental governance issues such as sustainable development and climate change; and global social issues such as migration and human rights. This internship gives young professionals with a window and entry point into international policy forums and negotiations and how these affect the development objectives of countries in the Global South. Interns are based in Geneva (Switzerland) and fully integrated to the every-day work of the South Centre. The aim of the internships is to develop the technical and intellectual capacities of young post-graduate students or professionals, especially from developing countries, by providing them with practical experience that enhances their understanding of global governance issues from a developing country perspective.

The South Centre and the Global Governance for Development Programme

The South Centre is an inter-governmental organisation open exclusively to governments of developing countries, i.e. members of the Group of 77 and China. It aims at achieving a fair, equitable and rule-based global order through the promotion of perspectives which are specific to developing countries. In undertaking its mission, the South Centre strives to promote and enhance South-South collaboration and solidarity.

The GGDP’s activities include research and policy analysis, negotiations and other technical assistance, and networking and coalition building, in collaboration with key research and academic institutions, intergovernmental organizations, as well as civil society organisations. 

A Mutually Enriching Collaboration

Since the strategic objective of the Global Governance for Development Programme is to support developing countries through policy research and targeted technical support, the GGDP sees its internship scheme as a tool to build the capacity of young developing country professionals. Internships are seen as a mutually enriching experience, both for the Programme and for students.

As such, young professionals are expected to contribute substantively to the work programme of the GGDP, particularly through concrete research, data collection, and the organisation of events. Research undertaken by interns always feeds into the work of the GGDP in a direct and concrete manner. Interns are frequently encouraged to draft final papers under the supervision of TDP staff and may often author papers. As far as possible, specific tasks are also linked to each intern’s own research interests or academic requirements.

Through this internship, young professionals gain exposure to the various perspectives that exist on a large gamut of trade issues and are able to witness, first-hand, the contending and often competing priorities that are instrumental to the formulation of international policies. Interns are encouraged to develop critical and analytical capacity, and should be able to identify the specific interests and concerns of poor countries in any of the topics being analysed.

Interns have access and are actually encouraged to attend meetings at, for instance, the United Nations office in Geneva (UNOG), at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and other institutions. This real-life insight constitutes an invaluable complement to young professionals’ education.

Duration

Internships typically last four months but its duration may vary from three to six months depending on the availability and interests of interns. While the GGDP is very flexible regarding the start and end dates of any internship, there are three main starting periods:

• January 
• May 
• September    

Eligibility

Applicants for an internship at the GGDP should preferably be nationals of a developing country (defined as members of the Group of 77 and China), although nationals of developed countries are also welcome to apply Alternatively, applicants should be able to demonstrate a capacity to identify and understand the interests and concerns proper to developing countries in any specific issue.

Due to the multidisciplinary nature of the research carried out by the GGDP, students from different educational backgrounds will find the internship an enriching experience. Most commonly, the educational background of past GGDP interns have included: Economics, International Political Economy, International Relations, Legal studies, and Public Administration. The Programme accepts applications from all educational backgrounds unless otherwise stated in the internship announcement.

Additionally, the intern must:

• Have completed or be completing a post-graduate degree in international economics, international relations, international development studies or international law.
• Have good knowledge of global governance issues either through study or work related experience.
• Be fluent in English (both spoken and written). Fluency in Spanish and/or French is also highly desirable and may be required in some cases depending on the specific requirements of the GGDP
• Have fully proficient computer skills
• Demonstrate a commitment to development objectives either through previous study, work, or other activities.

Responsibilities

A core component of the internship involves hands-on experience. Consequently, under the supervision of the Programme Coordinator, the Intern will be required to, among others:

• Assist the Programme staff in carrying out various activities, including preparation of informal notes, research papers and providing research and drafting assistance, as directed.
• Participate in, monitor and follow-up meetings on global governance as well as other related meetings at the South Centre and in other international organisations such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the World Trade Organisation, as well as civil society and non-governmental organization’s activities and international meetings, seminars and conferences.
• Perform administrative tasks such as updating calendar of meetings, filing, photocopying, faxing, drafting letters, etc.

The Terms and Conditions of the Internship

A written agreement containing the terms and conditions of the internship will be signed between the South Centre and the Intern. The terms and conditions include the following:

• The Intern undertakes to spend at least 3 months (full-time) at the South Centre. The internship period may be extended upon mutual agreement.
• This is an unpaid internship. The South Centre will not pay any remuneration, subsidy, compensation or other entitlement to the Intern.                 
• Acceptance into the internship is not in any way related to employment at the South Centre.                 
• Except where otherwise indicated to the Intern in writing, travel expenses, including visa fees, to and from Geneva will be the responsibility of the intern.
• Interns shall be responsible for their own health insurance for illness and accidents.                  
• Formalities for the Intern’s stay in Switzerland during their internship will be handled by the South Centre. Where necessary, and as appropriate, the South Centre will provide assistance to interns in obtaining an entry visa to Switzerland.
• At the end of the internship, the Intern will be required to prepare a written exit report evaluating the internship. The Centre, through the Intern’s supervisor, will also write an evaluation report.              
• The Intern will receive a letter certifying that they undertook an internship at the South Centre, evaluating their performance and giving recognition to their work experience at the Centre.

Application and Selection Process

• There is no deadline for applications. These may be submitted on an on-going basis.Applicants should complete the GGDP  standard application form available on the website and send it together with a CV detailing their relevant qualifications and experience, either by e-mail (preferable) or by post. E-mail applications should be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please mark clearly in the subject line “Application for GGDP Internship”. Applications sent by post should be addressed to:                                                          

                                                                                                          South Centre                                                                                                  

                                                                                                       GGDP Internships
                                                                                              Chemin du Champ d’Anier 17
                                                                                                 POB 228, 1211 Geneva 19
                                                                                                        SWITZERLAND

• Copies of qualifications, previous employment certificates, publications etc. should not be sent with the application form. These will be requested if required.
• While every effort will be made to contact applicants and inform them of the status of their applications, this will not always be possible. Applicants who do not receive an answer within one month of the close of the application process should consider their application unsuccessful. Any further correspondence will not be entertained. Short-listed candidates will be informed of the status of their application and the process of selection. Completion of a written exercise on current global governance issues may be required as part of the selection process.
• The final stage of the selection process involves a personal or telephone interview. A decision on the successful candidates will, as far as possible, be made two weeks before the start of the internship.