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 is a regional development arm of the United Nations. Established in 1947, ESCAP aims to promote economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region. The organization works with 62 member states and 9 associate members, focusing on various issues including sustainable development, disaster risk reduction, and information and communications technology. ESCAP's mission is to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth, reduce poverty, and enhance regional cooperation.

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 requires a full-time commitment for a period of three to six months, depending on the needs of the division or office. 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 internship provides an opportunity for interns to gain practical experience in the field of space applications, geospatial information, and digital innovations, contributing to the advancement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Interns will engage in various tasks, including research support, project implementation, and the development of digital platforms and multimedia content. Each intern will have a tailored work plan developed in collaboration with their supervisor, aligning with their skills, interests, and future academic or career aspirations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a range of duties, including but not limited to: accessing and downloading data from key databases related to financial markets and instruments; applying economic theory and quantitative analysis to geospatial and time series financial data in relation to thematic areas of space applications, such as air pollution; contributing to the drafting of reports and papers on space applications; assisting in the development and updating of digital platforms and multimedia content; and supporting the team in their daily activities and tasks. The ultimate goal of the internship is to support ESCAP's mission of helping member countries harness the potential of space applications and geospatial information to achieve sustainable development goals.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: 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 level or equivalent). Additionally, applicants should have a strong understanding of economic theory and empirical research, as well as experience in software development related to time series and geospatial data.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess a relevant educational background, ideally in fields such as economics, data science, environmental science, or a related discipline. A graduate degree or a bachelor's degree nearing completion is preferred, as this internship is designed to provide practical experience to those pursuing advanced studies or early career opportunities in relevant fields.

Experience:
While prior professional experience is not mandatory, any relevant experience in research, data analysis, or project support will be considered an asset. Interns should demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt to a dynamic work environment, as well as the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this 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 candidate's application.

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 prior to starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the organization 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.