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

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is a prominent intergovernmental platform established to foster cooperation among its 53 member States and 9 associate members. It aims to address sustainable development challenges in the Asia-Pacific region. As one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations, ESCAP plays a crucial role in supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development by generating action-oriented knowledge and providing technical assistance and capacity-building services. The organization is dedicated to aligning its efforts with national development objectives and regional agreements, particularly in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The ESCAP secretariat is committed to ensuring that its initiatives are effective and adhere to established UN regulations and policies, thereby enhancing the overall operational efficiency of the Commission.

Job Overview:
The internship program at ESCAP is designed to provide practical experience and insight into the workings of the United Nations and its commitment to sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. Interns will be integrated into the Division of Administration (DA), specifically within the Staffing Diversity and Outreach Unit (SDOU) of the Human Resources Management Section (HRMS). The internship is expected to last between two to six months, depending on the needs of the division. Interns will work full-time, five days a week, under the supervision of a staff member, and will engage in a variety of tasks that align with their educational background and skills. The role is unpaid, but it offers invaluable experience in a dynamic international environment, contributing to the UN's mission of promoting sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a diverse set of responsibilities that may include: assisting in social media outreach efforts on platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter; conducting recruiting outreach to attract potential candidates; managing administrative tasks related to the internship program; implementing and maintaining social networking campaigns; assisting in the creation of communication materials for recruitment purposes; coordinating with various stakeholders to ensure effective collaboration; compiling and analyzing statistics related to recruitment efforts; generating standard data entries using Excel databases; reviewing and providing feedback on the design of HR dashboards; and offering administrative support to ongoing projects within the Human Resources Management Section.

Required Qualifications:
To be eligible for the internship program, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be currently enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or (b) be currently enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent). Importantly, no prior work experience is required to apply for this internship, making it accessible for students and recent graduates looking to gain experience in the UN system. Candidates should possess skills and knowledge that can contribute positively to the United Nations during their internship.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a relevant educational background that aligns with the internship requirements. This includes being enrolled in or having completed a graduate program or being in the final year of an undergraduate program. The focus is on candidates who can demonstrate that their training, education, or advanced coursework will be beneficial to the work of the United Nations during their internship period.

Experience:
The internship does not require any prior work experience, which makes it an excellent opportunity for students or recent graduates to gain exposure to the workings of the United Nations and the specific functions of ESCAP. The emphasis is on the educational background and skills that candidates bring to the table, rather than on previous professional experience.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for the internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French, which is another official UN language, is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's application. Proficiency in additional UN languages could also be beneficial, although it is not a strict requirement.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and candidates 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 before commencing the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the hiring manager prior to accepting the internship offer. Additionally, the United Nations emphasizes that there are no fees associated with the recruitment process, ensuring that candidates are not charged at any stage, including application, interview, or training.