Internship in Disaster Risk Reduction 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's mission is to promote inclusive and sustainable economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region. The organization operates in 62 member states and territories, focusing on various issues including disaster risk reduction, climate change, and sustainable development. ESCAP has a diverse workforce of over 300 employees and collaborates with various stakeholders to address regional challenges.

Job Overview:
This internship is located within the Disaster Risk Reduction Section (DRS) of the Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction Division of ESCAP. The internship is unpaid and full-time, lasting between two to six months, depending on the needs of the division or office. Interns are expected to work five days a week, totaling 35 hours, under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer for the Trust Fund for Tsunami, Disaster and Climate Preparedness. The role involves supporting the monitoring, evaluation, and reporting processes related to the Trust Fund, contributing to regional publications, and assisting in the planning and execution of high-level events and consultations on disaster risk reduction. Interns may also be considered for remote work on a case-by-case basis, although in-person attendance is preferred.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: 1) Providing communications support to the Trust Fund and associated projects, ensuring effective dissemination of information. 2) Assisting in the planning and execution of high-level events and consultations on disaster risk reduction, collaborating with Trust Fund partners and member states. 3) Conducting research and providing analytical assistance on unmet needs in early warning systems in Asia and the Pacific, contributing to regional publications. 4) Reviewing progress and terminal reports, as well as evaluations of Trust Fund projects, and summarizing key findings for internal use. 5) Supporting the Disaster Risk Reduction Section in day-to-day project activities and tasks, ensuring smooth operations and effective project management.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, 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); or b) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required, applicants must have a field of study closely related to the internship they are applying for. Additionally, candidates must be able to provide proof of their academic status at the time of application.

Educational Background:
Applicants must 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. This educational background is essential to ensure that interns possess the necessary knowledge and skills relevant to the tasks they will undertake during their internship.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, applicants should have relevant experience in drafting formal reports, meeting minutes, briefs, communication products, and/or event planning. This experience can be gained through academic projects, volunteer work, or previous internships, and is crucial for performing the duties expected of the intern 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 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 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 with the organization prior to accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.