Internship at ESCAP Subregional Office for East and North-East Asia

Internship at ESCAP Subregional Office for East and North-East Asia

UN Commissions

July 22, 2025August 12, 2025IncheonSouth Korea
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The ESCAP Subregional Office for East and North-East Asia (SRO-ENEA) is part of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), which was established to promote economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region. The organization aims to foster cooperation among member states to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs) and enhance regional integration. ESCAP operates in multiple countries across the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on various development issues, including sustainable development, social inclusion, and economic growth. The office in Incheon, South Korea, serves as a hub for collaboration and dialogue among countries in East and North-East Asia, facilitating knowledge sharing and capacity building.

Job Overview:
This internship opportunity at the ESCAP Subregional Office for East and North-East Asia (SRO-ENEA) is designed for students and recent graduates who are interested in gaining practical experience in the field of sustainable development and international cooperation. The internship is full-time and unpaid, requiring interns to work five days a week for a minimum of two months, with the possibility of extending up to six months. Interns will be supervised by a designated staff member and will engage in various research activities related to sustainable development, particularly in preparation for significant forums such as the 9th North-East Asia Multistakeholder Forum on SDGs and the 12th North-East Asia Development Cooperation Forum. This role provides an excellent opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects while developing professional skills in a dynamic international environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the office's mission and activities. Key duties include:
  • Reviewing and analyzing literature and policies related to the progress of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Development Cooperation in the subregion.
  • Assisting in the planning and implementation of events and meetings organized by the office, with a focus on sustainable development aspects.
  • Providing support in drafting and preparing official documents for the 9th North-East Asia Multistakeholder Forum on SDGs and/or the 12th North-East Asia Development Cooperation Forum.
  • Supporting logistical and substantive aspects of events, including liaising with partners and resource persons as needed.
  • Conducting research on relevant topics and contributing to the development of reports and presentations.
  • Engaging in discussions and meetings to provide insights and feedback on ongoing projects.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience; however, they must have a field of study closely related to the internship. Candidates must be students in their final year of a bachelor's degree, or enrolled in or have completed a master's or Ph.D. program. Specific qualifications include: (a) Enrollment in or completion of a graduate program in economics, sustainable development, or social studies (second university degree or equivalent, or higher). (b) Enrollment in or completion of the final academic year of a first university degree program in economics, sustainable development, or social studies (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent). (c) Proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel, and MS Teams. (d) Ability to draft news articles and/or social media posts is desired. (e) Skills in designing surveys and polls are also desired.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a relevant educational background, which includes being enrolled in or having completed a bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. program in fields such as economics, sustainable development, or social studies. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of sustainable development and international cooperation, as well as for effectively contributing to the office's projects and initiatives.

Experience:
While prior professional work experience is not a requirement for this internship, candidates should demonstrate a strong academic background and relevant coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. This may include research projects, volunteer work, or academic achievements that showcase the candidate's commitment to sustainable development and international relations.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and resources.

Additional Notes:
This 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 South Korea may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the office prior to accepting the internship offer. Additionally, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.
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