Statistics Internship

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 through regional cooperation and integration. Established in 1947, ESCAP has a mission to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region. The division works closely with national statistical offices and various international organizations to enhance statistical capacity and improve data collection and analysis across member states. The ESCAP Statistics Division is guided by the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics and the Principles Governing International Statistical Activities, ensuring that its work aligns with global standards and practices. The division is involved in numerous initiatives aimed at building statistical capacity, collecting and analyzing data, and publishing statistical reports that inform policy decisions. It operates in multiple countries across the Asia-Pacific region, collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance the quality and availability of statistical data.

Job Overview:
The Statistics Internship on disaster-related statistics provides a unique opportunity for individuals to gain practical experience in statistical capacity-building initiatives. Interns will contribute to the implementation of the Global Disaster-Related Statistics Framework (G-DRSF), which aims to enhance the collection and analysis of disaster-related statistics. The internship is designed for a minimum duration of three months, with the possibility of extending up to six months based on the needs of the ESCAP Statistics Division and the intern's availability. Interns will work full-time, five days a week, under the supervision of a staff member in the Statistics Division. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a willingness to learn new skills. Interns will engage in various tasks, including enhancing Power BI-based visualizations of disaster-related statistics, supporting the implementation of the G-DRSF in Thailand, conducting research, and drafting guidance notes to facilitate the operationalization of the framework. This internship is unpaid, and candidates are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and living expenses during the internship period.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a range of duties, including but not limited to: enhancing Power BI-based visualizations of disaster-related statistics tailored to the needs identified by the National Statistical Office of Thailand (NSO); supporting the implementation of the G-DRSF within the national context of Thailand; conducting research and contributing to the drafting of guidance notes that support the implementation of the G-DRSF; exploring fundraising opportunities to advance the operationalization of the G-DRSF, which may involve drafting concept notes and project proposals; performing other related tasks as required by the Statistics Division. Interns will have the opportunity to work closely with experienced professionals in the field of statistics and gain insights into the workings of international organizations and statistical frameworks.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the 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). While professional work experience is not required, applicants should have a field of study closely related to the internship. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. Knowledge of Power BI and the ability to conduct independent research and draft technical papers are highly desirable. Additionally, applicants must be able to cover their own expenses related to travel, accommodation, and living costs during the internship.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor's or equivalent), or they must have completed a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. program. The educational background should be relevant to the field of statistics or a related discipline, ensuring that interns possess the necessary theoretical knowledge to contribute effectively to the work of the ESCAP Statistics Division.

Experience:
While prior professional work experience is not a prerequisite for this internship, candidates should ideally have some exposure to statistical methods or data analysis through their academic studies or related projects. The internship is designed for individuals who are eager to learn and develop their skills in a practical setting, making it suitable for students or recent graduates looking to gain experience in the field of statistics and international development.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the 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 a candidate's application. Strong communication skills in English are essential for effective collaboration and contribution to the team's objectives.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and candidates are responsible for covering all costs associated with travel, visas, accommodation, health insurance, and living expenses during the internship period. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Thailand may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. Potential candidates will be contacted directly by the hiring manager for further consideration. It is important for applicants to include all relevant work experiences, IT skills, and references in their Candidate Profile. Due to the high volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted for further consideration. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any fraudulent requests for personal information or bank account details.