Intern - Environmental Affairs

Job Posting Organization:
The internship opportunity is offered by the ESCAP Subregional Office for East and North-East Asia (SRO-ENEA), which is part of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The organization focuses on promoting sustainable development in the region, addressing environmental issues, and fostering cooperation among member states. ESCAP was established in 1947 and has been instrumental in providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration among countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The office in Incheon, South Korea, is dedicated to addressing specific regional challenges and enhancing environmental cooperation. The organization employs a diverse workforce and operates in multiple countries across the Asia-Pacific region, working towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The internship position at the ESCAP Subregional Office for East and North-East Asia is designed for individuals interested in gaining practical experience in environmental affairs, particularly in the context of Low Carbon Cities (LCC). The intern will be involved in supporting the North-East Asian Subregional Programme for Environmental Cooperation (NEASPEC), which aims to promote sustainable urban development and environmental protection in the region. The internship is full-time and requires a commitment of 40 hours per week, providing interns with the opportunity to work closely with experienced professionals in the field. Interns will engage in various tasks that contribute to the preparation of significant activities planned for 2026, allowing them to gain insights into the workings of the United Nations and the complexities of environmental governance. This role is particularly suited for students or recent graduates who are passionate about environmental issues and wish to make a meaningful contribution to sustainable development initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a range of responsibilities that include conducting desk research on relevant topics related to Low Carbon Cities to assist in drafting and preparing official documents under the guidance of a designated staff member. They will support the structuring and content organization of the NEA-LCCP online platform, which is crucial for disseminating information and resources related to low carbon initiatives. Additionally, interns will assist in drafting, editing, and formatting communication and knowledge products related to LCC, including web content materials that will be used for outreach and engagement. Providing administrative and logistical support for meetings, workshops, or forums related to LCC is also a key responsibility, which may involve attending these events and summarizing the proceedings for future reference. This comprehensive set of duties will enable interns to develop a well-rounded understanding of the operational aspects of environmental cooperation in the region.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet specific qualifications to be considered for the internship. They should either 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 a requirement for applicants to the UN Internship Programme, it is essential that candidates have a field of study closely related to the internship they are applying for. This ensures that interns possess the necessary academic background to contribute effectively to the work of the organization. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel, and MS Teams, as these tools are integral to the tasks they will undertake during the internship.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being a student in the final year of a first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or being enrolled in or having completed a Master’s or Ph.D. Programme. This educational criterion is designed to ensure that interns have a solid foundation in relevant academic disciplines, which may include environmental science, public policy, international relations, or related fields. Candidates must also be prepared to provide proof of their academic status, such as an official certificate, at a later stage in the application process. This requirement underscores the importance of having a strong academic background to support the responsibilities of the internship.

Experience:
The level of experience required for this internship is minimal, as applicants are not expected to have prior professional work experience. However, it is crucial that candidates have a strong academic background in a field related to environmental affairs or sustainable development. This internship is particularly suitable for students or recent graduates who are eager to gain practical experience and contribute to meaningful projects within the United Nations framework. The focus is on providing an opportunity for learning and professional development rather than requiring extensive prior experience.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Additionally, knowledge of an official UN language, such as French, is considered an advantage. The official languages of the United Nations Secretariat include Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. Proficiency in these languages can enhance communication and collaboration within the diverse international environment of the UN.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of South Korea may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is essential for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the organization prior to accepting the internship offer. The internship is expected to last for a minimum of three months, with the possibility of extension up to six months, depending on the needs of the office. The position is full-time, requiring a commitment of 40 hours per week, and is conducted in-person at the ESCAP Subregional Office in Incheon.