Internship with 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 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, dedicated to addressing sustainable development challenges through collaborative efforts. The organization plays a crucial role in guiding policies and strategies related to gender equality, women's empowerment, and disability inclusion across its programs. The Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) oversees the implementation of ESCAP's work and ensures accountability, making it a vital component of the UN's mission in the region.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at ESCAP is designed for individuals seeking to gain practical experience in the field of sustainable development within the United Nations framework. Interns will work under the direct supervision of the Sustainable Development Officer and/or Secretary of Commission, OES, contributing to various aspects of ESCAP's operations. The role involves assisting in knowledge management, coordination of missions and events, and providing research support for high-level engagements. Interns will be expected to engage in substantive work that supports the Deputy Executive Secretary's (DES) initiatives, including the organization of materials, logistical support for meetings, and the development of analytical knowledge products. This internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 37.5 hours per week for a duration of 3-6 months, providing a unique opportunity to learn about the inner workings of a major UN body.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Knowledge Management: Assisting in organizing substantive materials for the DES's engagements, collecting and consolidating information on global and regional dialogues, and supporting the design and development of products for high-level engagements.
• Coordination: Providing logistical support for meetings and events, coordinating inter-divisional or inter-agency meetings, and supporting advocacy and communications work.
• Research Support: Conducting background research for high-level engagements, evaluating meetings and projects, and compiling statistics.
• General Support: Assisting the team in day-to-day activities and other duties as required, ensuring that all tasks align with ESCAP's mission and objectives.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: a) be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); b) be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); or c) have graduated with a university degree and must commence the internship within one year of graduation. This ensures that candidates possess the necessary academic background to contribute effectively to ESCAP's work.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a strong academic background relevant to the work of ESCAP, particularly in fields related to sustainable development, international relations, public policy, or social sciences. The internship is open to those who are currently enrolled in graduate programs or are in their final year of undergraduate studies, as well as recent graduates, which allows for a diverse range of educational experiences.

Experience:
While prior work experience is not mandatory, any relevant experience in intergovernmental organizations, research, or sustainable development initiatives will be considered an asset. Interns should demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt to the dynamic environment of the United Nations, showcasing their ability to contribute to ESCAP's objectives effectively.

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:
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 obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.