Position description
Background
- The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. Its mandate includes assisting developing and transition economies in leveraging trade opportunities in a complex global environment.
- The ITC Women, Youth and Vulnerable Communities (WYVC) and its Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI) aim to reduce global poverty by involving micro-entrepreneurs in international and regional trade.
- EFI enables marginalized communities—mostly women—to integrate into the international fashion value chain through a unique system of work that supports community development and promotes informed consumer choices.
- EFI connects micro-producers and social enterprises from developing countries to the international fashion industry, strengthening their capacity to export and generate dignified, sustainable work.
- EFI also links international brands with local artisans, designers, and micro-producers in emerging economies, fostering a virtuous circle of premium product development and community empowerment.
Description of Duties/Responsibilities
The intern will support EFI’s social enterprise partners in Kenya and Côte d’Ivoire with branding, business development, and internal operations. Working under the direct supervision of EFI’s Senior Programme Officer and the project team, the intern will undertake the following tasks:
Business Development & Branding Support
- Assist in conducting market and competitive analysis to enhance positioning of EFI’s social enterprise partners.
- Contribute to the development of brand and business strategies, including product/service positioning and value proposition.
- Help draft a simple roadmap for growth based on identified strengths and market opportunities.
- Support identification and listing of potential strategic partners and clients aligned with the social enterprise’s mission.
Operational Systems Support
- Assist in assessing and improving raw material/product stock management and order tracking processes.
- Research and suggest simple, efficient tools (e.g., spreadsheets, low-cost apps) to streamline operations.
- Provide ad-hoc support in implementing or testing new tools and procedures.
Project Support
- Assist in general project reporting activities and reviewing project reports.
- Support other EFI project-related tasks as necessary.
ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender equality and parity, and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities, without discrimination.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet one of the following at the time of application:
- Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or higher);
- Be in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level);
- Have graduated within the last year with a degree as described above.
Preferred Fields of Study:
- Business management, communication, marketing.
Preferred Experience:
- Prior internships or experience in fashion, business management, or operations are advantageous.
Required Competencies:
- Knowledge of the fashion industry.
- Creativity and ability to generate new ideas.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Self-motivation and drive.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Commitment to the UN’s goals.
Languages
- Fluency in English is required.
- Knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.
Additional Information
Learning Elements
The internship offers:
- Practical experience in fashion management, ethical fashion systems, business development, and social impact.
- Opportunities to strengthen research and critical thinking through strategy proposals and report writing.
- Skill development in communication, research, project design, and exposure to the UN System.
- Flexibility to align internship activities with academic requirements.
Intern-Specific Information
- Interns are not financially remunerated.
- Costs for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or sponsoring institution.
- Interns may need to secure appropriate visas and work authorization.
- Selected candidates should confirm their visa obligations before accepting the offer.
Application instructions
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