Internship in Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Section

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the Social Development Division of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). ESCAP was established in 1947 and is one of the regional commissions of the United Nations. Its mission is to promote inclusive and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. The organization operates in 62 member states and 9 associate members, focusing on various thematic areas including social development, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. ESCAP aims to foster regional cooperation and integration to address the challenges faced by the region.

Job Overview:
The internship in the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Section is designed for a duration of 3 to 6 months, providing an opportunity for interns to engage in meaningful work related to disability inclusion. The intern will support the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Section (GESIS) within the Social Development Division, which focuses on mainstreaming gender and disability inclusion across all areas of ESCAP's work. The role involves conducting research and data analysis on critical issues related to disability inclusion, such as economic participation and accessibility. Interns will also assist in organizing meetings, developing communication materials, and contributing to various written outputs. This position is ideal for individuals looking to gain hands-on experience in a UN setting while contributing to important social issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities that may include: conducting research and data analysis on disability inclusion topics; assisting in the organization of internal and external meetings; designing and implementing communication materials and social media campaigns; contributing to the preparation of written outputs such as background papers and presentations; providing support for technical cooperation projects related to disability-inclusive employment and business; assisting in the implementation of the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy; and performing other duties as assigned by the Chief of Section. The internship is full-time, requiring interns to work five days a week, totaling 37.5 hours, under the supervision of a staff member.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications: be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program (second university degree or equivalent) or be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level). Additionally, interns must be computer literate in standard software applications, demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, and possess the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Strong communication skills, teamwork abilities, and client orientation are essential competencies for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes either a graduate degree or a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Candidates with academic backgrounds related to disability studies, social sciences, or international development are particularly encouraged to apply. The internship is open to individuals who are currently pursuing their studies or have recently graduated, allowing for a diverse range of applicants.

Experience:
No prior working experience is required to apply for this internship; however, any experience related to disability inclusion, research, or communication would be considered an asset. Candidates with experience in organizing meetings or providing accessibility support are especially encouraged to apply. Familiarity with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and knowledge of assistive technologies will also be beneficial for applicants.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of a national language from the Asia-Pacific region is considered an asset, as it may enhance communication and understanding within the diverse context of the region.

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. The application process requires a completed online application, including a Cover Note and Candidate Profile. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The Cover Note must detail the applicant's degree title, graduation date, availability, IT skills, areas of interest, and reasons for being a suitable candidate. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.