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 aims to promote economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region through regional cooperation and integration. The organization focuses on various issues including sustainable development, disaster risk reduction, and information and communications technology. ESCAP operates in multiple countries across the Asia-Pacific region, working with member states to implement policies and programs that address regional challenges. The organization employs a diverse workforce dedicated to fostering inclusive and sustainable development in 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 full-time, lasting between three to six months, depending on the needs of the division. Interns are expected to 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 tailored work plan that aligns with their skills, interests, and future career aspirations, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to the team's objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: 1) Contributing to the development and testing of geospatial tools; 2) Assisting in the development and/or updating of digital platforms and multimedia content; 3) Providing support in the implementation of capacity development projects; 4) Assisting in the creation of needs assessment surveys and gathering user feedback on geospatial tools; 5) Supporting the development of training content on both fundamental and advanced topics related to state-of-the-art geospatial tools; 6) Aiding 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 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, applicants should have a field of study closely related to the internship. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Office 365, Google Earth Engine, and image processing and presentation software. Proficiency in programming and using open-source Earth observation data and software is also 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, and an official certificate will be required at a later stage. The educational background should ideally align with the responsibilities of the internship, particularly in fields related to geospatial information, technology, or disaster risk reduction.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required, applicants should have relevant academic training or coursework that would benefit the United Nations during their internship. This could include experience with geospatial tools, research methodologies, or project implementation in related fields. The internship is designed for individuals who are eager to learn and contribute to the work of the UN, particularly in the context of space applications and sustainable development.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage. The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, and proficiency in these languages will enhance the intern's ability to communicate effectively within the organization.

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 before 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.