Intern in Environment and Development Policy Section

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is a prominent intergovernmental platform established to foster cooperation among its 53 member States and 9 associate members. The organization is dedicated to addressing sustainable development challenges in the Asia-Pacific region, promoting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development through action-oriented knowledge generation and technical assistance. ESCAP plays a crucial role in supporting national development objectives and regional agreements, particularly in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The organization is committed to tackling interconnected environmental challenges, including climate change and pollution, which threaten development gains and exacerbate societal inequalities. With a focus on enhancing cooperation among countries and engaging diverse stakeholders, ESCAP aims to provide innovative solutions to pressing issues in the region.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is located within the Environment and Development Policy Section of the Environment and Development Division at ESCAP. This section is instrumental in analyzing, developing, promoting, and disseminating innovative policies related to environment and development in the Asia-Pacific region. The intern will be expected to contribute to various projects and activities aimed at addressing environmental challenges, particularly those related to climate change, air pollution, and sustainable resource management. The internship is designed to provide hands-on experience in policy advocacy and decision-making support, allowing interns to engage in meaningful work that contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Interns will work full-time for a duration of 4-6 months, gaining valuable insights into the workings of an international organization and the complexities of environmental governance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities that include conducting research to support major knowledge products, developing infographics and interactive presentations, and assisting in the creation of policy briefs and outreach materials. They will also support the organization of webinars, online courses, and regional consultations focused on climate awareness and the SDG Help Desk. Specific duties include:

• Assisting with relevant research for data collection and analysis to inform knowledge products.
• Developing visually appealing infographics and presentations related to GHG projections and scenarios.
• Supporting the drafting of policy briefs and other outreach materials.
• Assisting in the preparation of agendas, background documents, and exhibits for conferences.
• Helping organize webinars and consultations to promote climate awareness and engagement.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must be currently enrolled in a Master’s or Ph.D. program or have recently completed such a program. Preference will be given to those who have completed their studies at the Master’s level. While professional work experience is not required for the UN Internship Programme, applicants should have a field of study closely related to the internship. Proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, is essential. Skills in design software for creating infographics and publications are desirable, as are video development skills. Excellent communication skills in English, both spoken and written, are mandatory, and the ability to draft news articles or social media posts is a plus.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be pursuing or have completed a Master’s or Ph.D. degree in a relevant field, such as environmental science, public policy, international relations, or a related discipline. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of environmental and development policies in the Asia-Pacific context.

Experience:
While no prior professional work experience is required, applicants should demonstrate a strong academic background in a relevant field. Experience in research, policy analysis, or related activities through academic projects or internships will be beneficial and may enhance the candidate's application.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this internship. 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 profile.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 35 hours per week for a duration of 4-6 months. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. It is important for non-citizens or permanent residents of Thailand to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.