Internship at ESCAP

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) was established in 1947 and is one of the regional commissions of the United Nations. Its mission is to promote inclusive and sustainable economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region. ESCAP works with 62 member states and 9 associate members, focusing on various issues including sustainable development, climate change, and regional cooperation. The organization operates in multiple countries across the Asia-Pacific region, providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration among member states to address pressing regional challenges.

Job Overview:
This internship is located within the Subregional Office for South-East Asia (SROSEA) of ESCAP, which aims to support its member states in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The SROSEA promotes sustainable development by tailoring programs to regional needs and coordinating with ASEAN on key priorities such as digital transformation, climate action, and inclusive economic growth. Interns will assist in a range of policy work and activities to support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in South-East Asia. The internship is full-time, unpaid, and requires interns to work five days a week (35 hours) under the supervision of the Head of the Subregional Office for South-East Asia. The internship is conducted in person at the duty station in Bangkok, Thailand.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a variety of responsibilities, which may include: contributing to research initiatives on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in ASEAN, conducting literature reviews, compiling data, and drafting analytical inputs. They will assist in coordinating UN–ASEAN engagements and joint initiatives, preparing background materials, tracking activities, and supporting communication with internal and external partners. Interns will also support the planning and delivery of SROSEA meetings and events, including policy dialogues, workshops, and consultations, which involves assisting with agenda preparation, participant coordination, and logistical arrangements. Additionally, they will develop communication and outreach materials such as flyers, press releases, newsletter content, and social media posts to enhance SROSEA's visibility and engagement. Interns may also provide support on special projects and other tasks as required, contributing to the broader work programme of the Office.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a second university degree (master's degree or equivalent); (b) have completed a first university degree (bachelor's degree or equivalent); (c) possess good knowledge of standard software applications, especially MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Teams, and Canva; and (d) demonstrate strong research and writing skills. While professional work experience is not required for applicants to the UN Internship Programme, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Applicants will need to provide an official certificate at a later stage to confirm their academic qualifications.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being enrolled in or having completed a master's degree or equivalent, as well as having completed a bachelor's degree or equivalent. This educational foundation is essential to ensure that interns have the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to the work of the SROSEA and support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Experience:
While the internship does not require professional work experience, it is important for applicants to have a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship they are applying for. This ensures that interns have a relevant academic background that will allow them to engage meaningfully with the tasks and responsibilities assigned during the internship.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance the intern's ability to contribute to the organization's work.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Thailand may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the organization prior to accepting the internship offer. Additionally, it is emphasized that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training.