Internship in Space Applications 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 is one of the regional commissions of the United Nations and aims to promote economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region. The organization operates in 62 member states and 9 associate members, focusing on various issues including sustainable development, disaster risk reduction, and information and communications technology. ESCAP's mission is to foster inclusive and sustainable development through regional cooperation and integration, providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration among member states.

Job Overview:
This internship is located within the Space Applications Section (SAS) of the Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction Division of ESCAP. The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment for a period of three to six months, depending on the needs of the division or office. Interns are expected to work five days a week (35 hours) in-person under the supervision of the Chief of the Space Applications Section and relevant officers within SAS. The primary focus of the internship is to provide research support, assist in project implementation, and contribute to the development of digital platforms and multimedia content. Interns will have a personalized work plan developed in collaboration with their supervisor, tailored to their skills, interests, educational background, and future academic or career aspirations. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage with a dynamic team and contribute to significant projects aimed at advancing sustainable development through space applications.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of the interns include conducting research on space applications for sustainable development, particularly in relation to the six thematic areas outlined in the Asia-Pacific Plan of Action on Space Applications for Sustainable Development: disaster risk management, natural resource management, connectivity, social development, energy, and climate change. Research findings will contribute to various knowledge products, including UN publications and technical papers, with due acknowledgment of the interns' contributions. Additionally, interns will assist in developing and updating digital platforms and multimedia content, provide support in the implementation of capacity development projects, and aid the team in their daily activities and tasks. The ultimate goal of the internship is to support ESCAP's mission of helping member states harness the potential of space applications and geospatial information to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Required Qualifications:
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); (b) 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, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Applicants must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s, or Ph.D. program, or have completed such programs. Additionally, applicants should possess good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. Strong research and writing skills are preferred, along with a solid understanding of North and Central Asia.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being enrolled in or having completed a graduate program or being in the final year of a bachelor's degree program. Applicants must provide proof of their educational status, such as an official certificate, at a later stage. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates who are pursuing or have completed degrees in fields relevant to the work of the Space Applications Section, such as environmental science, geography, information technology, or related disciplines.

Experience:
While prior professional work experience is not a prerequisite for this internship, applicants should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. The focus is on candidates who are currently studying or have recently completed their degrees, as the internship is intended to provide practical experience in a professional setting.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Additionally, fluency in French is also beneficial. Knowledge of Russian and/or any official Central Asian language is strongly desired, as it would enhance the intern's ability to contribute to the team's work. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, or Spanish, is considered an advantage.

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 prior to accepting the internship offer. 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.