Internship in Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Section

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the Social Development Division of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). ESCAP was established in 1947 and is one of the regional commissions of the United Nations. It aims to promote economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region. The organization focuses on various thematic areas including sustainable development, gender equality, social inclusion, and demographic transitions. ESCAP operates in multiple countries across the Asia-Pacific region, working with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to address pressing social and economic issues.

Job Overview:
The internship position is within the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Section (GESIS) of the Social Development Division at ESCAP. This internship is designed for a duration of 3 to 6 months and is aimed at supporting the organization's work on Disability Inclusion. Interns will have the opportunity to engage in various tasks that align with their academic background and professional interests. The role is full-time, requiring interns to work five days a week, totaling 37.5 hours. Interns can perform their duties either onsite in Bangkok or remotely, providing flexibility in how they engage with the work. The position is unpaid, and candidates are expected to demonstrate a commitment to the ideals of the United Nations and its mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be involved in a range of activities that support the objectives of the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Section. Key responsibilities include conducting research and data analysis on critical issues related to disability inclusion, such as economic participation and accessibility. Interns will assist in organizing meetings, both internal and external, and contribute to the preparation of written outputs, including background papers and presentations. They will also provide support for technical cooperation projects focused on disability-inclusive employment and business, as well as digital inclusion initiatives. Additionally, interns will help implement the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy and may be assigned other duties by the Chief of Section as needed. This role requires a proactive approach and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: they should either be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program (second university degree or equivalent) or be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level). Interns must be proficient in standard software applications, particularly the Microsoft Office Suite. A demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to its principles are essential. Additionally, candidates should possess strong interpersonal skills, showing the ability to engage effectively with individuals from various backgrounds and beliefs. Previous interns under UN Secretariat entities are not eligible to reapply unless they have obtained a different or advanced degree.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a relevant educational background, either in progress or completed, that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. This includes being enrolled in or having completed a graduate program or being in the final year of a bachelor's degree program. The focus should be on areas related to social development, gender studies, disability studies, or other relevant fields that would contribute to the work of the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Section.

Experience:
While no prior work experience is required to apply for this internship, having experience in areas such as disability studies, research, or event organization would be advantageous. Candidates with a background in subjects related to disability, good research and writing skills, and familiarity with accessibility support for meetings/events involving persons with disabilities will be viewed favorably. Knowledge of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and assistive technologies is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this internship, as it is the primary language of communication within the United Nations. Additionally, knowledge of a national language from the Asia-Pacific region is considered an asset, enhancing the intern's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and communities.

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 Thailand may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization. The application process requires a completed online application, including a Cover Note and Candidate Profile. The Cover Note should detail the title of the degree being pursued, graduation date, availability for the internship, IT skills, areas of interest, and reasons for being a suitable candidate. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates are encouraged to apply without concern for financial obligations.