Internship Opportunity at 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 regional cooperation for inclusive economic and social development, ESCAP supports its member states through analytical, normative, and technical cooperation. The organization operates in various countries across the Asia and Pacific region, focusing on addressing development priorities and adapting to changing needs. The Subregional Office for North and Central Asia, located in Almaty, Kazakhstan, covers a diverse range of countries including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as Afghanistan as part of the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA).

Job Overview:
The internship opportunity at ESCAP is designed for individuals who are eager to gain practical experience in a dynamic international organization. Interns will work full-time, five days a week, under the supervision of experienced staff members. The primary focus of the internship is to assist in research and provide administrative support related to the Subregional Office's initiatives aimed at facilitating economic development, enhancing connectivity, and addressing environmental challenges in North and Central Asia. Interns will engage in various tasks, including conducting research on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), supporting multistakeholder engagement, and assisting in the organization of events and meetings. This role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to significant regional development efforts while gaining insights into the workings of the United Nations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a range of duties that include:

• Conducting SDGs-related research, which involves data collection and analysis, note-taking, and drafting and editing background notes, official documents, speeches, and presentations.
• Assisting with SPECA-related research, including similar tasks as mentioned above, specifically focused on activities related to the Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia.
• Supporting the organization of subregional meetings aimed at discussing priority areas for sustainable development and regional cooperation.
• Providing logistical support for various events, including conferences, expert group meetings, and capacity-building workshops, whether they are held on-site, online, or in hybrid formats.
• Performing ad-hoc research and general administrative support as needed to facilitate the office's operations.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Enrollment in or completion of a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher).
• Relevant fields of study include macroeconomics, international economics, development economics, political economy, applied econometrics or statistics, finance, climate science, environmental and life sciences, business administration, public policy, social science, engineering/geology/mathematics, or related areas.
• No prior work experience is required, but relevant training, education, or advanced coursework that can benefit the United Nations during the internship is desirable.
• Familiarity with event organization and the ability to work under tight deadlines while multitasking is advantageous.
• Experience in research and data analysis related to specific Sustainable Development Goals is also desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a strong educational background relevant to the internship. This includes being enrolled in or having completed a graduate program in fields such as economics, environmental science, public policy, or other related disciplines. The educational qualifications should align closely with the tasks and responsibilities of the internship, particularly in areas that support the mission of ESCAP and its focus on sustainable development and regional cooperation.

Experience:
While no formal work experience is required for this internship, candidates are encouraged to have some familiarity with research methodologies, data analysis, and event organization. Experience in academic or volunteer settings that involve similar tasks can be beneficial. Interns should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and manage multiple tasks effectively, especially under pressure.

Languages:
Fluency in both spoken and written English and Russian is mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language or any other languages spoken in North and Central Asia is considered an asset, enhancing the intern's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the organization's objectives.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. The expected duration of the internship is three months, with the possibility of extension up to six months. Interns are expected to work full-time, totaling 37.5 hours per week. It is important for candidates to discuss their visa requirements if they are not citizens or permanent residents of Kazakhstan before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and equitable selection process.