Internship in Climate Change and Natural Resource Sustainability

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is located within Cluster 1 of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), which focuses on Climate Change and Natural Resource Sustainability. ESCWA is a regional commission of the United Nations established to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. It aims to support member states in achieving sustainable development goals and enhancing regional cooperation. ESCWA operates in various countries across the Middle East and North Africa, working with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to address pressing issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and social justice.

Job Overview:
The internship position is designed to provide support to the Climate Change and Natural Resource Sustainability cluster within ESCWA. The intern will engage in substantive research and reviews that are crucial to the cluster's work, which encompasses a wide range of topics including Climate Change, Water Resources, Energy, Food Systems/Agriculture, and Circular Economy. The role is expected to contribute significantly to the preparation of background notes, policy briefs, and various analytical documents that inform the cluster's activities. The intern will also be involved in data management tasks, including compilation, analysis, and visualization, which are essential for effective communication of research findings. Additionally, the intern will assist in organizing meetings and workshops, thereby gaining practical experience in event management and stakeholder engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties that include:

• Assisting in substantive research and reviews related to Climate Change, Water Resources, Energy, Food Systems/Agriculture, and Circular Economy.
• Contributing to the development of background notes, talking points, and policy briefs for cluster-related activities.
• Conducting data compilation, analysis, cleaning, visualization, cataloging, and tabulation.
• Generating graphs and figures using online databases for publication purposes.
• Preparing literature reviews, research papers, and presentations.
• Researching, drafting, and updating documents and analytical summaries.
• Taking notes and drafting summary or verbatim reports during meetings.
• Capturing photographs during events for documentation purposes.
• Organizing and contributing to the preparation and implementation of meetings and workshops. 1
• Supporting the cluster's activities both substantively and administratively. 1
• Creating and assisting in updating content on ESCWA's website, including initiative pages, events, and projects. 1
• Assisting in other ad-hoc activities as instructed by the supervisor.

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

• Be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or be 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.
• Exhibit the ability to successfully interact with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, showing a willingness to understand and tolerate differing opinions and views. Importantly, no prior working experience is required to apply for this internship, although knowledge in sustainable development or related issues is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in a graduate program or being in the final year of an undergraduate program. Candidates must possess at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field, which may include environmental science, international relations, public policy, or other related disciplines. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of climate change and natural resource sustainability.

Experience:
This internship does not require any prior working experience, making it an excellent opportunity for students or recent graduates looking to gain practical experience in the field of climate change and sustainability. The focus is on academic qualifications and a demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations rather than professional experience.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of Arabic is considered desirable, given that it is a working language of ESCWA. Candidates should be able to demonstrate fluency in all four areas of language proficiency: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding for English, while a confident level in two of the four areas for Arabic is acceptable.

Additional Notes:
Interns at the United Nations are not financially remunerated, meaning that they will not receive a salary for their work. All costs and arrangements related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Additionally, interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Lebanon may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, it is emphasized that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process remains accessible and equitable.