Internship at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat, established to promote sustainable and inclusive development and regional connectivity in the Asia and Pacific region. ESCAP supports its member states through policy-oriented research, normative support, technical assistance, and capacity building to address the development priorities and changing needs of the region. The Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (CSAM), a regional institute of ESCAP located in Beijing, focuses on enhancing technical cooperation among member states and promoting research and development in sustainable agricultural mechanization and technology to achieve internationally agreed development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at ESCAP is designed for individuals seeking to gain practical experience in a dynamic international organization. Interns will work full-time, typically five days a week, under the supervision of a staff member in the division or office to which they are assigned. The internship is unpaid and has a minimum duration of two months, with the possibility of extension up to six months. Interns will engage in various tasks that align with their academic background and the needs of the organization, providing a unique opportunity to contribute to ESCAP's mission while developing professional skills in a multicultural environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be involved in a range of duties that may include, but are not limited to: providing administrative support to the division; assisting in the preparation of official documents; contributing to social media outreach efforts; supporting partnership building initiatives; and providing logistical support for meetings and conferences. The specific responsibilities will depend on the intern's background, interests, and the duration of the internship, allowing for a tailored experience that fosters both personal and professional growth.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). This ensures that interns possess a foundational level of education and knowledge relevant to the tasks they will undertake during their internship.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes either a graduate degree or a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. This could encompass areas such as international relations, public policy, environmental science, agricultural studies, or other disciplines that align with the work of ESCAP and its focus on sustainable development and regional cooperation.

Experience:
While prior professional experience is not mandatory for this internship, any relevant experience in administrative roles, research, or involvement in international organizations will be considered an asset. Interns are expected to demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt to the working environment of the United Nations, showcasing their ability to contribute effectively to the team.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for the internship programme, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is another working language. Proficiency in additional languages may enhance an applicant's profile but is not mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of China may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the organization prior to accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and equitable selection process.