Internship in Space Applications Section

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), which was established in 194

• ESCAP is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations and aims to promote economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region. The organization operates in 62 member states and territories, focusing on various issues including sustainable development, disaster risk reduction, and information and communications technology. ESCAP's mission is to foster inclusive and sustainable development through regional cooperation and partnerships, providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration among member states.

Job Overview:
This internship is located within the Space Applications Section (SAS) of the Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction Division of ESCAP. The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment for a period of three to six months, depending on the needs of the division or office. Interns are expected to work five days a week (35 hours) in-person under the supervision of the Chief of the Space Applications Section and relevant officers within SAS. The internship provides an opportunity for interns to gain practical experience in the field of space applications for sustainable development, contributing to various projects and initiatives that align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Interns will be involved in research, project implementation, and the development of digital platforms and multimedia content, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world context.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a diverse range of responsibilities, including: conducting research on space applications for sustainable development related to six thematic areas: disaster risk management, natural resource management, connectivity, social development, energy, and climate change. Research inputs will contribute to the development of knowledge products such as UN publications and technical papers, with proper acknowledgment of the interns' contributions. Additionally, interns will assist in developing and updating digital platforms and multimedia content, provide support in the implementation of capacity development projects, and assist the team in their day-to-day activities and tasks. The ultimate goal of the internship is to support ESCAP's mission of helping member states harness the potential of space applications and digital innovations to advance sustainable development goals.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Applicants must demonstrate good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. Strong research and writing skills are preferred, and knowledge of North and Central Asia is desirable. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of their educational status and may need to submit an official certificate later in the application process.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being a student in the final year of a first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or being enrolled in or having completed a Master’s or Ph.D. program. Applicants must also have a field of study that is relevant to the internship, ensuring that their academic background aligns with the responsibilities they will undertake during their time at ESCAP.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, applicants should have relevant academic experience or coursework that relates to the responsibilities of the internship. This could include research projects, academic papers, or relevant coursework that demonstrates the applicant's understanding of space applications and sustainable development.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in French is also beneficial. Additionally, fluency in Russian and/or any official Central Asian language is strongly desired, as it will enhance the intern's ability to contribute to projects related to the region. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, or Spanish, is considered an advantage.

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 before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process remains accessible to all candidates.