Economic and Social Affairs Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a regional commission of the United Nations established to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. ESCWA focuses on various issues including gender equality, social justice, and inclusive development. The organization aims to foster collaboration among member states and provide a platform for dialogue and knowledge sharing. ESCWA operates in multiple countries across the Arab region, working with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to address pressing social and economic challenges.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is located within the ESCWA Cluster on 'Gender Justice, Population and Inclusive Development'. The primary focus of this cluster is to advance gender equality and justice, promote inclusive social development, and address issues related to poverty, unemployment, and migration. Interns will be expected to provide substantive research support, assist in the preparation of written outputs, and contribute to the organization of meetings and workshops. This role is designed for individuals who are passionate about social issues and are eager to contribute to the mission of the United Nations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide substantive research support on subjects related to the work of the cluster, including reviewing existing literature, assisting in crystallizing research questions, and conducting desk research.
• Assist in the preparation and review of written outputs published by ESCWA, such as background papers, technical papers, and sections of reports and studies.
• Draft inputs for presentations and research papers.
• Assist in organizing expert group meetings, conferences, or workshops related to the cluster's work.
• Prepare minutes of meetings and document discussions.
• Perform other duties as requested by supervisors, contributing to the overall objectives of the ESCWA cluster.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level), or have graduated with a university degree.
• Be computer literate in standard software applications.
• Demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter.
• Show the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, demonstrating tolerance and understanding of differing opinions.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be currently enrolled in a graduate program or in the final year of their undergraduate studies. A degree in social sciences, international relations, development studies, or a related field is preferred. Graduates with relevant degrees are also eligible to apply, provided they meet the other qualifications outlined.

Experience:
No previous work experience is required for this internship position. However, candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in the work of the United Nations and relevant academic knowledge that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic and English is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the ESCWA. Knowledge of French is also beneficial but not mandatory. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge is defined as a rating of 'confident' in at least two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
The internship is expected to last for a minimum of two months on a full-time basis, with the possibility of extension for a maximum of six months. Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns must provide proof of valid medical insurance coverage for the duration of the internship and submit a medical certificate of good health prior to starting. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.