Intern - Economic and Environmental Statistics

Job Posting Organization:
The ESCAP Statistics Division operates under the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The organization is dedicated to promoting sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region through effective statistical practices. ESCAP was established in 1947 and has since grown to include a diverse membership of 53 member states and 9 associate members. The division's mission is to enhance the capacity of member states in the field of statistics, ensuring that they can effectively collect, analyze, and disseminate data that informs policy-making and development initiatives. The organization collaborates with various national statistical offices and international organizations to fulfill its mandates, which are derived from numerous General Assembly and ECOSOC resolutions. The ESCAP Statistics Division is committed to implementing programs that build statistical capacity, collect and analyze regional data, and publish relevant statistical publications that support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Economic and Environmental Statistics (EES) Section of the ESCAP Statistics Division is designed for university students or recent graduates who are eager to gain practical experience in the field of statistics and data analysis. The intern will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of capacity development initiatives focused on the Power of Data, climate change, and disaster-related statistics. This position offers an excellent opportunity to work closely with experienced development practitioners, allowing the intern to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world context. The intern will assist in organizing workshops, facilitating Asia-Pacific Stats Café sessions, and promoting initiatives related to climate change and data utilization through various social media platforms and websites. This hands-on experience will not only enhance the intern's understanding of statistical practices but also provide valuable insights into the workings of international organizations and their impact on regional development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the objectives of the Economic and Environmental Statistics Section. Key duties include:

• Assisting in the organization and arrangement of workshops and training sessions focused on capacity development in statistics.
• Supporting the planning and execution of Asia-Pacific Stats Café sessions, which aim to foster dialogue and knowledge sharing among statistical practitioners.
• Promoting the Power of Data and climate change initiatives through effective communication strategies on social media and the ESCAP website.
• Collaborating with team members to gather and analyze data relevant to the division's projects and initiatives.
• Participating in meetings and discussions to contribute ideas and insights related to statistical capacity building and data utilization.
• Providing administrative support as needed to ensure the smooth operation of the division's activities.
• Engaging with stakeholders and partners to facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of statistics.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet specific criteria set by the United Nations Internship Programme. Candidates should either be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent) or be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent). While professional working experience is not a requirement, a field of study closely related to the internship is essential. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. Familiarity with Adobe suites and Canva or similar software is considered an asset. Additionally, candidates must provide proof of their academic status and may need to submit an official certificate at a later stage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being a student in the final year of a first university degree (bachelor's or equivalent), or having completed a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. program. The field of study should be relevant to the internship's focus on statistics, data analysis, or related disciplines. This ensures that the intern possesses the foundational knowledge necessary to contribute effectively to the division's initiatives and projects.

Experience:
While prior professional experience is not mandatory for this internship, candidates are expected to have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. This may include participation in projects, research, or internships related to statistics, data analysis, or environmental studies. The internship is particularly suited for individuals who are eager to learn and apply their knowledge in a practical setting, gaining insights into the workings of international organizations and statistical practices.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this internship, as it 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 advantage and may enhance the candidate's application. Proficiency in multiple languages can facilitate communication and collaboration within the diverse environment of the United Nations.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires full-time commitment, with interns expected to work five days a week (35 hours) in-person at the Bangkok duty station. The duration of the internship is a minimum of three months, with the possibility of extension up to six months based on the division's needs and the intern's availability. Interns are responsible for covering their own costs related to travel, visa, accommodation, health insurance, and other living expenses during the internship period. It is important for candidates who are not citizens or permanent residents of Thailand to discuss their visa requirements 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.