Intern - Sustainable Development

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is a vital intergovernmental platform established to promote cooperation among its 53 member States and 9 associate members. It focuses on addressing sustainable development challenges in the Asia-Pacific region. ESCAP is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations, and it plays a crucial role in guiding the implementation of the ESCAP programme of work, ensuring accountability, and mainstreaming policies related to gender equality and disability inclusion. The organization is committed to fostering collaboration and providing a platform for dialogue among member states to achieve sustainable development goals.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at ESCAP is designed for individuals who are passionate about sustainable development and wish to gain practical experience in a dynamic international environment. Interns will work under the direct supervision of the Sustainable Development Officer and/or Secretary of Commission, OES, and will be involved in various aspects of knowledge management, coordination, and research support. The role requires a commitment of full-time hours over a period of 3-6 months, during which interns will assist in organizing substantive materials, coordinating missions, providing logistical support for meetings, and conducting research to support high-level engagements. This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the work of the United Nations and gain insights into the functioning of intergovernmental organizations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Knowledge Management: Assisting in the organization of materials related to ESCAP's work, collecting and consolidating information from 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 efforts.
• 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 are completed efficiently and effectively.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: a) be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); b) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); or c) have graduated with a university degree and must commence the internship within one year of graduation. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in sustainable development and the work of the United Nations.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a relevant educational background, which includes being enrolled in or having completed a university degree in fields related to sustainable development, international relations, public policy, or other relevant disciplines. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of sustainable development challenges and the workings of intergovernmental organizations.

Experience:
While prior work experience is not mandatory, any relevant experience in research, project management, or involvement in intergovernmental meetings will be considered an asset. Interns should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to work in a team environment and contribute to the objectives of the ESCAP.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. 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:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are expected to cover their own costs for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Thailand may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. The internship is full-time, requiring a commitment of 37.5 hours per week, and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as ESCAP reserves the right to select candidates or close the posting at any time. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.