Sustainable Development Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is a prominent intergovernmental platform established to promote cooperation among its 53 member States and 9 associate members in the Asia-Pacific region. ESCAP is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations, focusing on addressing sustainable development challenges. The organization plays a crucial role in coordinating efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals, thereby fostering collaboration and dialogue among countries in the region.

Job Overview:
The Sustainable Development Intern position is designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience within the Sustainable Development and Countries in Special Situations Section (SDCSS) of ESCAP. The intern will work under the supervision of a Sustainable Development Officer and will be involved in various tasks that support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 37.5 hours per week over a period of six months. Interns will gain valuable insights into the workings of the SDCSS and will actively participate in organizing the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD), which is one of ESCAP's flagship meetings. The role is dynamic and will involve collaboration with a diverse team, allowing interns to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting while contributing to significant regional initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the SDCSS in its mission. Key responsibilities include providing logistical support for meetings and events, particularly for the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development. The intern will also design and create communication materials such as videos, flyers, social media content, briefs, presentations, and blogs. Additionally, the intern will assist in updating relevant websites, perform tasks related to strategic communications and public information, and upload knowledge management products to the external website. Researching, analyzing, and presenting information from diverse sources will also be part of the role. The intern will prepare meetings with various stakeholders, monitor and engage with online communities, support the delivery of training and learning events, and assist in youth engagement processes surrounding the APFSD. Other ad-hoc duties may be assigned as needed, providing a comprehensive exposure to the workings of the SDCSS.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: 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 equivalent); or have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and must commence the internship within one year of graduation. This ensures that candidates possess the necessary academic background and are prepared for the responsibilities of the internship.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a strong academic background, ideally in fields related to sustainable development, international relations, public policy, or a similar area. The internship is particularly suited for those pursuing or having completed advanced degrees, as the role requires a solid understanding of the principles and practices related to sustainable development and international cooperation.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandatory, any relevant experience in event organization, communications, or stakeholder engagement will be considered an asset. Interns should demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt to a fast-paced environment, as well as the ability to work collaboratively within a team.

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 asset and may enhance the candidate's application.

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 Thailand may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.