Intern - Economic Affairs

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), which is a regional development arm of the United Nations. ESCAP was established in 1947 and has been working to promote economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region. The organization focuses on various issues including sustainable development, disaster risk reduction, and the integration of technology in development. ESCAP operates in multiple countries across the Asia-Pacific region, providing support and capacity building to member states. The organization aims to foster regional cooperation and collaboration to address pressing challenges faced by the region.

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 duration of three to six months, depending on the needs of the division. Interns will work five days a week, totaling 35 hours, under the supervision of the Chief of the Space Applications Section and relevant officers. The role involves providing research support, assisting in project implementation, and developing digital platforms and multimedia content. Interns will have a personalized work plan that aligns with their skills, interests, and future academic or career aspirations. The work environment is dynamic, and interns will contribute to significant projects aimed at advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: conducting research on space applications for sustainable development in areas such as disaster risk management, natural resource management, connectivity, social development, energy, and climate change. The research findings will contribute to the development of knowledge products, including UN publications and technical papers, with proper acknowledgment of the interns' contributions. Additionally, interns will assist in developing and updating digital platforms and multimedia content, provide support for capacity development projects, and help the team with day-to-day 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 digital innovations to achieve sustainable development goals.

Required Qualifications:
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); or 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 demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. Strong research and writing skills are preferred, and knowledge of North and Central Asia is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates 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. Proof of enrollment or completion must be provided with the application. The educational background should be relevant to the internship role, ensuring that the intern can effectively contribute to the work of the Space Applications Section.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required, applicants should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the internship's focus on space applications and sustainable development. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in a UN setting.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for the internship. Knowledge of French is also beneficial as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Additionally, fluency in Russian and/or any official Central Asian language is strongly desired. Knowledge of another 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. 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.