Intern - Sustainable Socioeconomic Transformation Section

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the Social Development Division of the United Nations, which focuses on various aspects of social development including inequality, social protection, and demographic transitions. The division is comprised of three sections: Sustainable Demographic Transition Section (SDTS), Sustainable Socioeconomic Transformation Section (SETS), and Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Section (GESIS). The organization aims to promote sustainable socioeconomic transformation and address critical issues such as poverty, gender equality, and social inclusion. The UN operates globally, with a mission to foster international cooperation and development across its member states.

Job Overview:
The internship within the Sustainable Socioeconomic Transformation Section is designed for individuals who are eager to gain practical experience in the field of social development. Interns will work full-time for a duration of 2 to 4 months, with the possibility of extension up to 6 months based on departmental needs. The role involves working under the supervision of experienced staff members and contributing to various projects that address pressing social issues. Interns will engage in desk research, data processing, and statistical analysis, focusing on topics such as poverty reduction and social protection. The position is unpaid, and interns are expected to commit to a full-time schedule of 37.5 hours per week, contributing to the overall mission of the division.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will undertake a variety of tasks that may include: conducting desk research and data processing, performing statistical analysis using software such as R and Excel, and focusing on issues related to poverty, inequality, and social protection. They will also support the development of reports, summaries, and transcripts, assist in creating content for social media, and help organize workshops, conferences, and expert group meetings. Additionally, interns may be assigned other duties as deemed necessary by their supervisor, allowing them to gain a comprehensive understanding of the operations within the Sustainable Socioeconomic Transformation Section.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: they should be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), or they should 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 for the UN Internship Programme, candidates should have a field of study closely related to the internship. Proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate their ability to draft news articles or social media posts, and experience in designing surveys and polls is considered advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes either a graduate degree or a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Candidates should be currently enrolled in or have completed their studies in disciplines that align with the responsibilities of the internship, such as social sciences, economics, or development studies. This educational foundation will equip interns with the necessary knowledge to engage effectively in the tasks assigned during their internship.

Experience:
While prior professional work experience is not a prerequisite for this internship, candidates are expected to have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the internship's focus areas. This could include research projects, academic papers, or volunteer work related to social development, poverty alleviation, or gender equality. The emphasis is on the candidate's ability to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting and contribute to the division's objectives.

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, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's application. The ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages is beneficial in a diverse and international work environment.

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 secure the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the organization before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application and selection process is free from financial barriers.