Internship in Conference and General Services 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. ESCAP was established in 1947 and has been working to promote economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region. The organization focuses on various areas including sustainable development, social development, and regional cooperation. ESCAP operates in multiple countries across the Asia-Pacific region, providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration among member states. The organization aims to foster inclusive and sustainable development through various initiatives and programs, and it employs a diverse workforce dedicated to achieving the United Nations' goals.

Job Overview:
The internship is located within the Conference and General Services Section (CGSS) of the Division of Administration at ESCAP. This position is designed for individuals seeking to gain practical experience in conference management services, general services, and host country relations. The internship lasts for a minimum of three months and can extend up to six months, depending on the needs of the Division. Interns will work full-time, five days a week, totaling 35 hours, under the supervision of a staff member. The role provides an opportunity to engage with various administrative functions and support the UN community in implementing their mandates. Interns will be involved in drafting official documents, summarizing meetings, conducting research, and generating reports, among other tasks. This position is unpaid, and interns are expected to manage their own travel and living expenses.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a variety of daily responsibilities that may include: assisting in drafting and preparing official documents; attending and summarizing meetings; conducting document, market, and internet research; working on web presentations; compiling statistics; generating reports and work orders using databases in Excel and SAP; performing data entry and extraction functions; conducting media analysis; evaluating projects; and liaising with other sections of ESCAP or other UN entities regarding administrative matters. The specific duties may vary based on the intern's background and interests, but all tasks will contribute to the overall functioning of the CGSS and support the UN's mission.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: they must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), or they must 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 be computer literate in standard software applications and demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, along with a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. Candidates should also possess the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, showing a willingness to understand and tolerate differing opinions and views. No prior work experience is required for this internship, as the focus is on the educational and training background of the applicants.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes either being enrolled in or having completed a graduate program or being in the final year of a bachelor's degree program. This means that candidates should have a solid academic foundation that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship, particularly in areas related to administration, international relations, or other relevant fields. The emphasis is on the ability to apply academic knowledge in a practical setting within the UN framework.

Experience:
This internship does not require any prior work experience, making it an excellent opportunity for students or recent graduates looking to gain hands-on experience in a professional environment. The focus is on the educational qualifications and skills that the intern can bring to the role, rather than previous employment history. This allows individuals who may not have had the chance to work in a formal setting to still apply and gain valuable 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, fluency in spoken and written Thai is required, given the location of the internship in Bangkok. While French is also a working language of the UN, it is not specified as a requirement for this position, but knowledge of it could be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, meaning that interns will not receive any financial remuneration from the United Nations. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of Thailand 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 with the UN 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 is free of charge.