Internship Opportunity at ESCAP Subregional Office for East and North-East Asia

Job Posting Organization:
The ESCAP Subregional Office for East and North-East Asia (SOENEA) is part of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), which was established to promote economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region. The organization focuses on fostering regional cooperation and addressing key issues such as environmental sustainability, economic growth, and social inclusion. ESCAP operates in multiple countries across the Asia-Pacific region, working with governments, civil society, and the private sector to implement its mission. The office in Incheon is dedicated to addressing specific subregional challenges and facilitating collaboration among member states.

Job Overview:
The internship at the ESCAP Subregional Office for East and North-East Asia is designed to provide students and recent graduates with practical experience in the field of environmental cooperation, particularly focusing on air pollution and desertification. Interns will work full-time, five days a week, under the supervision of a designated staff member. The internship is unpaid and spans a minimum of three months, with the possibility of extension up to six months. Interns will be involved in supporting the North-East Asian Subregional Programme for Environmental Cooperation (NEASPEC) and will have the opportunity to contribute to significant events planned for 2026, such as the Carbon Neutrality Forum and the North-East Asia Clean Air Partnership (NEACAP) Policy Dialogue. This role is ideal for individuals looking to gain hands-on experience in international environmental policy and cooperation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a diverse range of responsibilities, primarily focused on two key areas: carbon neutrality and air pollution, as well as desertification and land degradation. Specific duties include:

• Supporting preparations for major activities planned for 2026, including the Carbon Neutrality Forum and NEACAP Policy Dialogue. This involves drafting meeting documents, background papers, presentations, and other communication materials.
• Providing logistical and organizational support to ensure smooth execution of events.
• Conducting desk research and compiling background information on relevant topics to support discussions and reports.
• Contributing to studies on desertification and land degradation in North-East Asia, including assisting in organizing a side event at the COP17 of UNCCD.
• Preparing knowledge products and outreach materials to disseminate key findings and highlight ESCAP's role in addressing these issues.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (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 also demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel, and MS Teams.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in or have completed a Master’s or Ph.D. program. Proof of enrollment or completion must be provided with the application, and an official certificate will be required at a later stage.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship. However, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship, particularly in environmental studies, international relations, or related fields.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an advantage 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 the Republic of Korea may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.