Disaster Risk Knowledge Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) was established in December 1999 and serves as the designated focal point within the United Nations system for coordinating efforts aimed at reducing disasters. The organization plays a crucial role in ensuring synergies among disaster reduction activities across the United Nations and regional organizations, addressing both developed and less developed countries. UNDRR is led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG) and has a workforce of over 140 staff members based at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, as well as in various regional offices. The organization is committed to guiding, monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on the progress of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, while also supporting its implementation at regional and national levels. UNDRR actively works to catalyze action and enhance global awareness regarding disaster risk reduction, collaborating with UN Member States and a diverse range of partners, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians, and the scientific community.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at UNDRR is designed for a duration of up to six months, based in the UNDRR Office located in Bangkok, Thailand. This internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment, with interns expected to work five days a week, totaling 40 hours. Interns will work under the direct supervision of the Deputy Chief of the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. The role is intended to provide valuable experience in the field of disaster risk reduction, allowing interns to contribute to significant projects and initiatives. Responsibilities will vary depending on the intern's background and the specific period of the internship, providing a unique opportunity to engage with various aspects of disaster risk management and data analysis.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities that may include:

• Assisting in the assessment of disaster losses and damages tracking in selected countries, focusing on critical infrastructure sectors and ensuring data is disaggregated by sex, age, disability, and income.
• Supporting the rollout of the new-generation DELTA Resilience system in at least two countries.
• Aiding in the development of training materials for government agencies, emergency services, and other stakeholders on the collection and use of disaster losses and damages data.
• Participating in consultations and capacity-building efforts for stakeholders regarding the standardization of hazard and risk information.
• Assisting in the design and execution of participatory assessments related to disaster losses and damages tracking.
• Identifying gaps and needs in methodological approaches for utilizing risk information in infrastructure and service sectors.
• Collaborating on the development or revision of methodologies tailored to specific countries.
• Performing additional duties as required by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

• Be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher).
• Be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent). Candidates should be pursuing or have pursued a degree in Data Science, Statistics, disaster risk management, or a related field. Additionally, proficiency in statistical methods, geographic information systems, and sustainable development planning using statistics is required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team are essential. A genuine interest in the mission of the United Nations and a commitment to its values are also crucial, along with the ability to work with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be pursuing or have completed a degree in a relevant field such as Data Science, Statistics, disaster risk management, or a related discipline. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of disaster risk reduction and the methodologies involved in data analysis and management.

Experience:
While applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience, it is essential that their field of study closely relates to the internship they are applying for. Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or they must have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. Programme.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the organization. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, to fulfill the responsibilities of the internship.

Additional Notes:
The 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. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. Additionally, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.