Statistics/Data Science Research Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a regional commission established in 1973 to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. ESCWA aims to support member states in achieving sustainable development through regional cooperation and integration. The organization focuses on various areas including economic statistics, social development, and sustainable development goals (SDGs). ESCWA operates in multiple countries across the Arab region, working with governments and stakeholders to enhance their capacities in statistical processes and data management.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is embedded within the project titled 'Resilient and Agile National Statistical Systems: Improving the Production and Communication of Gender, Disability and SDG Data to Leave No One Behind through Modernization and Improved Coordination.' This project is designed to strengthen national statistical systems by enhancing their ability to produce, integrate, analyze, and disseminate high-quality, timely, and disaggregated data, particularly focusing on gender, disability, and SDG indicators. Interns will gain hands-on experience in the workings of a United Nations regional commission, allowing them to apply and further develop their academic knowledge through practical assignments related to official statistics and data innovation. The internship will also contribute to ESCWA's efforts to support member states in modernizing statistical processes, improving inter-institutional coordination, and advancing data use for evidence-based policymaking.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Statistics/Data Science Research Intern will work under the direct supervision of the Technical Specialist and will support the implementation of ESCWA's statistics program. The intern's responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the collection, management, analysis, compilation, and dissemination of data in selected statistical areas.
• Contributing to methodological research and preparing draft technical documentation and analytical reports.
• Assisting in organizing seminars, expert meetings, working groups, and training activities.
• Helping in the development and testing of machine-learning and data analytics tools for statistical applications.
• Documenting and communicating analytical findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Assisting in follow-up and coordination tasks related to upcoming meetings such as the World Data Forum, the United Nations Statistical Commission, and the ESCWA Statistical Committee.
• Performing other related duties as required in the implementation of statistical activities under Cluster 4.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent); or have graduated with a university degree as defined above.
• Be computer literate in standard software applications.
• Demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter.
• Show the ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, including a willingness to understand and tolerate differing opinions and views. Previous work experience is not required, but knowledge of statistical tools, data management, processing, modeling, statistical analysis, and visualization is desirable. Excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to work independently, and a proactive attitude are also desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in a graduate program or in the final year of their undergraduate studies. A minimum of a bachelor's degree or equivalent is required. The educational background should ideally be in fields related to statistics, data science, social sciences, or any relevant discipline that supports the functions of the internship.

Experience:
No previous work experience is required for this internship position. However, familiarity with statistical tools, data management, and analysis is considered an asset. The internship is designed to provide practical experience and exposure to the workings of the United Nations, making it suitable for students or recent graduates looking to gain experience in the field of statistics and data science.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic and English is required for this position, as these are the working languages of ESCWA. Knowledge of French is desirable but not mandatory. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (speaking, reading, writing, and understanding), while knowledge is defined as 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. All costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Lebanon may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training.